NY Senate passes physician-assisted death bill, sending it to Gov. Hochul’s desk
The Medical Aid in Dying Act allows for terminally ill adults to obtain a prescription to put them to sleep and end their lives if they meet specific criteria.
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The New York Senate passed a bill that would give terminally ill patients the option for life-ending medication and is now sending it to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk.
The Medical Aid in Dying Act allows for terminally ill adults to obtain a prescription to put them to sleep and end their lives.
The bill includes specific criteria for patients and their physicians to meet before a patient could qualify for this.
"Two different doctors would have to confirm that the person has a terminal illness, (...) six-months or less to live, and that they have the mental capacity to make this decision," said Corinne Carey, of NY & NJ for Compassion & Choices. “[The bill is] giving people that right to die on their own terms."
Senators debated the bill for hours in Albany Monday evening, with some Long Island lawmakers asking for clarity on key parts of the bill.
"Can you point in the bill where it actually provides a definition of terminal illness,” said Sen. Steven Rhoads, of Bellmore. "To have a physician who is not qualified as a psychologist or a psychiatrist to make the determination is problematic."
Nora Adkins, of Levittown, said she thinks people should have that right if they are diagnosed with a terminal illness.
"People who have cancer, incurable, nothing can be done. Let them exit the world with class and dignity,” she said.
A spokesperson for Gov. Hochul said the governor will review the legislation since it was passed by both houses of the Legislature.
