Gov. Hochul Signs NY Medical Aid in Dying Act into Law

NEW YORK – Governor Hochul signed today the Medical Aid in Dying Act (S.8835/A.9515) into law. The legislation will give people living with terminal illnesses the option to request, through a tightly regulated process, medication they can administer themselves to transition peacefully. In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union released the following statement attributable to Executive Director Donna Lieberman:

“For over a decade, the NYCLU, advocates, caregivers, and individuals at the end of their life have been fighting for medical aid in dying legislation here in New York. By signing this bill into law, Governor Hochul has made compassion and agency at the end of life a reality for all residents of our state.

“Supported by a vast majority of New Yorkers, medical aid in dying is an established and trusted medical practice that is an important end-of-life care option, like hospice and palliative care. The legislation provides strong safeguards to ensure that a person’s decision is fully informed and voluntarily made.

“While amendments to the legislation lessen patient autonomy, New Yorkers will finally be able to make deeply personal choices about how to spend their final moments of life, helping them achieve peace and dignity as they transition.”