New York Legislature Passes Controversial Medically Assisted Suicide Bill

In a landmark move that could reshape end-of-life care in New York, state lawmakers have passed legislation that would permit terminally ill adults to seek medical assistance in ending their lives. The bill, known as the Medical Aid in Dying Act, now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision. However, its future remains uncertain.

The state Senate gave final approval to the proposal on Monday voting 35-27 to support the measure. The Assembly had already advanced the bill in late April by a narrower margin of 81-67. If signed, New York would become the 12th state in the nation to legalize some form of medically assisted suicide.

Under the bill, adults who have been diagnosed with an irreversible, incurable condition expected to result in death within six months would have the option to request a prescription for life-ending medication. To qualify, patients would need to be evaluated by two physicians who must independently confirm that the criteria are met. If either doctor believes the patient may not be mentally capable of making the decision, a psychological evaluation would be mandatory.

Patients would be required to make the request voluntarily with two adult witnesses attesting to the absence of coercion. Witnesses must not be relatives, beneficiaries of the patient’s estate, or employees of the facility where the patient receives care. Additionally, they must either know the patient personally or verify their identity.

The legislative process leading to the bill’s passage was marked by deeply personal testimony and passionate advocacy on both sides. Supporters, many of whom have spent years fighting for the bill, described it as a compassionate option for those facing prolonged suffering at life’s end.

Among them was Daren Eilert, whose 24-year-old daughter Ayla Rain Eilert died of cancer.

“That level of pain, to watch someone suffer at that level, is incredible,” he said while visiting the Capitol. “And that’s why I’m here today, because Ayla never wanted to see anyone suffer.”

Backers of the measure, including the advocacy group Compassion & Choices, have long lobbied for New York to follow in the footsteps of other states that have legalized similar options. They were a frequent presence in Albany and often wearing yellow to symbolize their cause.

Still, the bill drew fierce resistance from opponents who argued it opens the door to ethical dilemmas and potential abuse. Religious leaders, including the state’s Catholic bishops, mounted a strong opposition campaign, claiming the law undermines the sanctity of life and could create risks for marginalized groups.

Robert Bellafiore, representing the New York State Catholic Conference, described the vote as one of the most serious decisions lawmakers would ever face.

“This is a deeply consequential moment,” he said, urging legislators to consider the broader implications.

Every Republican in both chambers opposed the bill. Several Democrats also voted against it including Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn. Bichotte Hermelyn expressed concern about vulnerable populations being disproportionately impacted.

“My concern and opposition to this bill comes from the great risk of targeting vulnerable communities of color given the historical health disparities that they continue to face,” she said during the Assembly debate.

Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal of Manhattan and Assemblymember Amy Paulin of Westchester, who sponsored the legislation, framed the bill as a humane option for patients nearing the end of life. Hoylman-Sigal said his colleagues came to understand that the measure isn’t about hastening death but alleviating suffering in the final days.

The asttention now turns to Governor Hochul. While she has not publicly stated her position on the bill, her office confirmed she would review it carefully before making a decision.

The governor has until the end of 2025 to act on the legislation.

“We are hoping that she signs it, but we have no indication one way or the other,” said Hoylman-Sigal. “She’s said she’ll take a look when it gets to her desk.”

New York Legislature Passes Controversial Medically Assisted Suicide Bill