Medical Aid in Dying Act Review
Medical aid in dying (MAID) is now authorized in 10 states and DC, including our neighbors New Jersey and Vermont, providing access to this compassionate, effective, safe end of life option to over 20% of the US population. However, our New York bill, the Medical Aid in Dying Act, A. 4321, S. 6471, pending for seven years, was unfortunately not passed before the end of the recent legislature session.
While none of the three leaders of our state government (Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Heastie) have publicly indicated their support for the bill, there continues to be growing support within the state legislature. There are now over 70 sponsors of the Medical Aid in Dying Act, and there will be many new state legislators in January. It appears that younger, more progressive legislators are more likely to support the Medical Aid in Dying Act. And, while Assemblymember Dick Gottfried, chair of the Assembly Health Committee and a champion of the bill, is retiring, we are hopeful that the new chair will also be a staunch supporter. We are also hopeful that the new health committees in both houses will have a majority of members who will be supporters of the bill.
There is strong support for MAID across the state, regardless of political affiliation, race, age, gender and religion; and doctors support the bill by a 3 to 1 margin. Moreover, there is overwhelming evidence that MAID laws in states that authorize the practice have worked as intended and that none of the problems expected by opponents have emerged.
We urge all supporters of MAID legalization in New York to reach out to their legislators, as well as to the Governor and legislative leaders, to indicate strong support for the Medical Aid in Dying Act. To contact your legislators,
click here. If you have any questions, please contact David Leven, EOLCNY Executive Director Emeritus and Senior Consultant, at david@eolcny.org or (914) 907-6156.