NEW YORK—New York on Wednesday became one of a growing number of U.S. jurisdictions to allow medical aid in dying for certain terminally ill adults, as the state's Medical Aid in Dying Act took effect following years of legislative debate and legal scrutiny.
The law permits mentally competent New York residents aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and are expected by physicians to have six months or less to live to request medication they may self-administer to end their lives, according to the New York State Department of Health.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed the legislation into law on Feb. 6 after lawmakers approved a revised version that added a series of safeguards intended to address concerns raised by medical professionals, disability advocates and religious organizations. The law's implementation was delayed for six months to allow state agencies and healthcare providers to prepare regulations and guidance.
Under the statute, eligible patients must make both oral and written requests, with the oral request recorded by audio or video. An attending physician and a consulting physician must independently determine that the patient has a terminal illness and decision-making capacity. A psychologist or psychiatrist must also conduct a mandatory mental health evaluation, and a five-day waiting period is required between the writing and filling of a prescription. Patients must self-administer the medication, and participation by healthcare providers is voluntary, according to state guidance.
The legislation also provides exemptions for healthcare professionals and certain religiously affiliated institutions that choose not to participate. Providers declining to honor a patient's request must arrange for the transfer of care in accordance with the law, state officials said.
When signing the measure earlier this year, Hochul said the law sought to preserve "the right for the terminally ill to peacefully and comfortably end their lives with dignity and compassion," while emphasizing that additional safeguards had been added to protect patients and healthcare institutions.
Supporters, including advocacy organization End of Life Choices New York, have argued the measure expands end-of-life options for terminally ill patients facing irreversible suffering. Opponents, including the New York State Catholic Conference and some disability rights advocates, have maintained that physician-assisted dying could place vulnerable people at risk and have continued to voice ethical and legal objections.
With the law now in effect, the New York State Department of Health has published guidance for patients and providers and is implementing reporting requirements for physicians participating under the new legal framework.
