26-04-2025
New York bill proposes aid in dying for terminally ill patients
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A controversial proposed change to New York State law could allow folks who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness to expedite the process of their death.
NYS Senate Bill S138 proposes the amendment of existing public health law to include the Medical Aid in Dying Act. Similar amendments have been made to health laws in ten other states and Washington, D.C.
Senior New York Campaign Director for Compassion and Choices Corinne Carey explained why she believes passing this bill is a necessity.
'It affirms that New York is committed to bodily autonomy, not just for reproductive health issues, but in all stages of life,' Carey said.
If passed, those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness could be given the option of being prescribed medicine, which when self-administered, would hasten their death.
In order to receive this option, the patient would be required to have a doctor attest to their mental state, have two separate non-interested witnesses agree the decision is that solely of the patient, and the patient would need to be able to self-administer the drug.
Carey emphasized the big reason Compassion and Choices advocates for this policy nationwide, which is to provide the choice.
'We know that more than a third of people who get the prescription actually never take it, but derive an incredible peace of mind, knowing that should their suffering become unbearable, there is an option for them to die on their own terms,' Carey said.
Those opposed to the bill argue that it devalues human life, citing concerns regarding the criteria for determining the mental state of a patient. Lawmakers supporting the bill, including Assemblywoman Jen Lunsford, say it provides terminally ill folks the dignity they deserve nearing the end of their lives.
'I think people want certainty that if they find themselves in a situation where they are in pain, where their quality of life has diminished to the point where the justification for remaining alive is less than the justification of dying with dignity, peace and on their own terms, they want to know that they have that option,' Lunsford said.
The bill is currently in Senate committee review and can be found on the State Senate website.
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