New York Moves Closer To Legalizing Medically Assisted Suicide, Catholic Conference Calls It ‘A Dark Day’

Democratic State Senators in New York passed legislation that would permit terminally ill patients to take their own lives with the consultation of doctors, sending it to Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-New York) for approval.

The bill requires at least two doctors to confirm that a patient has six months or less to live to move forward in the measure known as medical aid in dying, or MAID. The patient then must make a written request for medication to end their life, and must get signatures from two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of the patient’s estate.

The legislation was first introduced in 2016, and after years of stalling, the Democratic-controlled State Senate approved the bill in a 35 to 27 vote, with six Democrats opposing the bill.

State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-New York), who sponsored the proposal, praised its passage as one of “the great social reforms of our state.”

“It’s not about hastening death, but ending suffering,” said Hoylman-Sigal.

The bill was heavily opposed by state Republicans, with State Sen. George Borrello (R-New York) condemning the messaging of its passage.

“We should not be in the business of state-authorized suicide,” said Borrello.

The concept of MAID has also received disapproval from a variety of communities, such as the Catholic Church and disability rights activists. Many have argued that, instead, the state should focus on improving end-of-life medical care.

The New York Catholic Conference denoted the bill’s passing as a “dark day for New York.”

“We’re saying as a society, ‘sometimes suicide is OK.’ That’s a terrible message for our youth. It’s a terrible message for everyone,” said Dennis Proust, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference.

Supporters say the bill includes enough safeguards to ensure a patient’s decision to end their life is informed and supported by medical professionals.

“I don’t think requesting end-of-life medication when an individual is suffering and in pain and dying suggests a mental health condition; if anything, I think it’s quite rational,” added Hoylman-Sigal.

Eleven other states have laws that permit medically-assisted suicide.

Hochul has not indicated whether or not she will sign the bill into law.

“The governor will review the legislation,” said a spokesperson for Hochul.