Summary
New York is set to become the largest U.S. state to allow assisted dying. The Medical Aid in Dying Act, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, will permit terminally ill residents to request life-ending medication. The law, expected to be enacted six months after being signed in January, includes several safety measures.
Key Facts
- New York will allow assisted dying for terminally ill individuals with six months or less to live.
- Governor Kathy Hochul reached an agreement with legislative leaders to pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act.
- The law includes safeguards such as a five-day waiting period and mental health evaluations.
- Patients must request the medication orally, with requests recorded via video or audio.
- Initial evaluations must be done in person by physicians, and only New York residents are eligible.
- Religious providers can choose not to participate, and violations of the law will be considered professional misconduct.
- New York will join twelve other states and the District of Columbia in allowing similar measures.
