Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the Medical Aid in Dying Act (S.138/A.136) into law, making New York the latest state to permit terminally ill residents with less than six months to live to seek medical assistance in ending their lives. The new law follows extended discussions among lawmakers, advocacy groups, and individuals who shared personal experiences regarding end-of-life care.
“Our state will always stand firm in safeguarding New Yorkers’ freedoms and right to bodily autonomy, which includes the right for the terminally ill to peacefully and comfortably end their lives with dignity and compassion,” Governor Hochul said. “This journey was deeply personal for me. Witnessing my mother’s suffering from ALS was an excruciating experience, knowing there was nothing I could do to alleviate the pain of someone I loved. It took years of intimate discussions with our bill sponsors, health experts, advocates, and most importantly, families who have similar firsthand experiences. New Yorkers deserve the choice to endure less suffering, not by shortening their lives, but by shortening their deaths — I firmly believe we made the right decision.”
The legislation contains several measures designed to protect patients from coercion and ensure that only eligible individuals can access medical aid in dying. Among these safeguards are a five-day waiting period between prescription writing and filling; mandatory video or audio recording of oral requests; mental health evaluations by psychologists or psychiatrists; restrictions preventing anyone with a financial interest in a patient’s death from acting as a witness or interpreter; limiting eligibility to New York residents; requiring initial physician evaluations be conducted in person; allowing religious hospice providers to opt out; classifying violations as professional misconduct under Education Law; and setting an effective date six months after signing so regulations can be established.
State Senator Gustavo Rivera stated: “I’m honored to carry the Medical Aid in Dying Act on behalf of the new Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. Our state must ensure terminally-ill New Yorkers can choose their journey. I want to thank Assemblymember Paulin and former Senator Hoylman-Sigal for their tireless work to give these New Yorkers the option to make an end-of-life care decision in a dignified and compassionate manner, and to Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law.”
Assemblymember Amy Paulin added: “Today is a historic day for New York. The Medical Aid in Dying Act gives New Yorkers the dignity they deserve at the most vulnerable moment in their lives. This legislation is about love, autonomy, and easing needless suffering. My sister died a horrific death from ovarian cancer, and in her final days she was in pain so overwhelming that she begged for death. Her experience is, tragically, the story of so many others. Most people will never choose medical aid in dying, but they want the reassurance of having it as a compassionate safeguard that offers comfort even if it is never used. I am profoundly grateful to Governor Hochul for recognizing the deep compassion at the heart of this legislation and to the extraordinary advocates who have spent years working to make this day possible.”
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal remarked: “Today’s signing of the Medical Aid in Dying Act marks a historic step forward for compassion, dignity, and personal autonomy in New York State. For terminally ill New Yorkers facing unimaginable pain and suffering, this law ensures they will have the ability to make deeply personal end-of-life decisions on their own terms. This legislation has been years in the making, shaped by the voices of patients, families, physicians, advocates, and faith leaders who courageously shared their experiences. From the beginning, I have said this bill is not about ending life — it is about shortening death and easing suffering. I am deeply grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for signing this bill into law and for working with the Legislature to strengthen critical safeguards that protect patients, providers, and families while preserving meaningful choice for those with less than six months to live. I also thank Senator Gustavo Rivera for his leadership as Senate sponsor, Assembly sponsor Amy Paulin, Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and the advocates who helped bring this legislation across the finish line. Most of all we owe a profound debt of gratitude to New Yorkers with terminal illnesses and their loved ones who bravely shared their stories.”
Corinne Carey from Compassion & Choices commented: “We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for listening to families navigating realities of terminal illness… The Medical Aid in Dying Act affirms a simple but profound principle: that everyone deserves compassion and freedom make deeply personal decisions about own body care at end life.”
Mandi Zucker from End of Life Choices New York noted: “Governor Hochul delivered on her promise… Yet today’s announcement that Governor signed bill not end fight implement Medical Aid Dying millions New Yorkers families… Over next six months beyond End Life Choices engage massive educational effort physicians attorneys nurses pharmacists doulas many other professionals immediately impacted new law general public… We look forward working Governor’s office many professional organizations ensure law implemented successfully efficiently.”
The Department of Health will use a six-month window before implementation begins so agencies can develop necessary regulations while healthcare facilities prepare staff training.