State Legislature Passes NY Medical Aid in Dying Act  

NEW YORK – Today, the New York State Legislature passed the New York Medical Aid in Dying Act (A136/S138). The legislation would give people living with terminal illnesses the option to request, through a tightly regulated process, medication they can administer themselves to transition peacefully. This will afford people with terminal illnesses a degree of control over how their life will end. In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union released the following statement attributable to Executive Director Donna Lieberman:

“Many people with terminal illnesses endure unbearable pain and onerous treatments. They deserve to have the choice to transition peacefully on their own terms and at their own time. By passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act, the legislature makes agency at the end of life a reality for all New Yorkers, once the measure is signed by the Governor.”  

“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 passed today provides strong safeguards to ensure that a person’s decision is fully informed and voluntarily made.  

“With this compassionate bill, 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.” 

###