New York Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying With Safeguards, Effective After 6 Months

Overview

• Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the measure on Feb. 6, making New York the 13th state, plus Washington, D.C., to permit physician-assisted dying.
• Eligibility is restricted to terminally ill adults with a prognosis of less than six months to live and to New York residents.
• The law’s safeguards include a five-day waiting period, an in-person initial evaluation, a recorded verbal request, a mandatory mental health assessment, and limits on witnesses or interpreters who could benefit financially.
• Religiously affiliated home hospice providers may opt out, and violations are defined as professional misconduct as the Department of Health prepares implementing regulations.
• Advocacy group End of Life Choices New York praised the move and plans outreach, while Catholic bishops and pro-life organizations continue to oppose the law.