Medical Aid in Dying in New York

Pomeroy College of Nursing

Marley Education Building, Sulzie Auditorium

765 Irving Avenue

Syracuse, NY 13210

Medical aid in dying is the process by which a mentally competent, terminally ill adult patient can obtain a prescription of medication from a doctor which the patient may ingest to end suffering and achieve a peaceful death. It is currently legal in seven states (Oregon, Washington, California, Montana, Colorado, Hawaii, and Vermont)  and the District of Columbia. The presentations will provide an overview of the current status of New York’s Medial Aid in Dying Act, arguments for the legalization of medical aid in dying, and the experiences of other states where it is already legal. Also discussed will be the growing support for this legislation and changing attitudes among past opponents, the public and physicians. The presentations will be followed by Q&A.

This event is free.

For further information please contact events@endoflifechoicesny.org  or call 212-726-2010.

Speakers:

David C. Leven, JD, Executive Director Emeritus and Senior Consultant, End of Life Choices New York

David was the Executive Director of End of Life Choices New York from 2002 until July 1, 2016. A leading advocate for patients and an expert on advance care planning, patient rights, palliative care and end-of- life issues, David has played a key role in having legislation introduced and enacted in New York to improve pain, palliative and end-of- life care, including the Palliative Care Information Act. David lectures frequently to diverse professional groups, students and citizens and has been is a regular guest lecturer at College of New Rochelle School of Nursing and Fordham Graduate School of Social Service. He has lectured or debated on medical aid in dying in numerous forums including at all nine NYC area law schools. He is a graduate of the University of Rochester and Syracuse University College of Law, he is the recipient of numerous awards including the Public Interest Law Award of the New York State Bar Association, Public Interest Law Committee.