The New York State Senate passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act late Monday night, paving the way for New York to become the 11th state in the nation to legalize medical aid in dying.
The vote followed hours of contentious debate and passed largely along party lines, 35-27. Six Democrats broke ranks to oppose the measure. The State Assembly had already approved the legislation in April by a vote of 81-67, meaning the bill now heads to Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the final say on whether it becomes law.
If signed, the legislation would allow terminally ill patients—those diagnosed with a condition expected to result in death within six months—to seek medical aid in ending their own lives. The process would require confirmation of “decision-making capacity” and a prognosis made with “reasonable medical judgment,” though those qualifiers sparked significant debate during the Senate floor discussion.
Supporters argue the bill offers a compassionate option for those suffering from incurable, painful conditions. Opponents raised concerns about potential pressure on vulnerable patients and the adequacy of safeguards in the bill.
Governor Hochul has not publicly stated whether she intends to sign the legislation.
Jason J. McGuire, Executive Director of New York Families Action, issued the following statement in response to today’s vote in the New York State Senate to approve a bill legalizing state-sanctioned suicide:
“Today’s vote is a tragedy for New York. The Senate’s passage of assisted suicide legislation—following earlier approval by the Assembly—marks a dark day in our state’s history. This bill undermines the very foundation of medical ethics and public policy, which should protect life, not prematurely end it.”
“The Senate’s approval of assisted suicide represents a fundamental abandonment of our state’s commitment to protect the most vulnerable. When government grants physicians the authority to prescribe lethal drugs instead of providing compassionate care, it sends a chilling message: that some lives are no longer worth living. That’s not compassion—it’s capitulation.”
“Legalizing assisted suicide is not the solution to suffering. What New Yorkers need is greater access to mental health support, hospice, and other forms of palliative care, as well as a renewed commitment to affirming the dignity of every person—especially in life’s most vulnerable moments. Instead, legislators are opening the door to coercion, abuse, and irreversible mistakes.”
“This bill ignores the growing evidence from other states and countries that so-called ‘safeguards’ fail and that the expansion of such laws is inevitable once the door is cracked open.”
“New York Families Action calls on Governor Kathy Hochul to listen to the countless voices—medical professionals, disability advocates, religious leaders, and concerned citizens—who oppose this dangerous policy. Governor Hochul still has the opportunity—and the responsibility—to prevent New York from crossing this irreversible moral line. We pray she will do the right thing and veto state-sanctioned suicide.”
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