Advocates, lawmakers prioritize Aid in Dying bill as legislative session nears end
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As first reported by Examiner+ late last fall, if passed, the legislation would allow mentally competent, terminally ill adults who meet other specific medical and legal criteria to request and receive a prescription medication that they can take to end their life if they choose to do so.
With many safeguards in place, the bill requires that the patient submit one oral and one written request with two witnesses, be examined by two physicians, and be able to take the medication themselves if they then choose. Medical aid in dying is different from euthanasia, or “mercy killing,” which is when lethal medication is administered to the patient by another person (a practice that is illegal in all 50 states).
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While some object to the legislation on religious or moral grounds, voters in New York support medical aid in dying by about a 2-to-1 margin (63 to 29 percent) according to a 2018 Quinnipiac University poll — including a majority of both Democrats and Republicans and across genders and age groups.
For those who have lost loved ones to a terminal illness, the legislation hits close to home and drives their fierce advocacy for it.
Assemblymember Amy Paulin (D-88) is the legislation’s lead sponsor along with Senator Diane Savino (D-23) of New York City. Paulin says the Medical Aid in Dying Act is a priority for her to pass each legislative session, including the current one that is soon coming to a close.
“We continue to get closer to passage as more legislators sign on as co-sponsor,” Paulin says. “In order to move the bill forward my office and the bill’s many advocates consistently work to inform those in Albany of what Aid in Dying truly is and would mean for New Yorkers.”
Right now, the Medical Aid in Dying Act has 70 co-sponsors and many more legislators who support the bill. Supporters of the bill, families of loved ones who suffered, and terminally ill New Yorkers continue to reach out to lawmakers in Albany and their districts.
The New York State Academy of Family Physicians (NYSAFP) voiced its continued support for the legislation last month.
“Terminally ill New Yorkers are suffering every day without the peace of mind that comes from knowing they are in control should their suffering become extreme,” President of the NYSAFP Dr. James Mumford said. “We stand by our patients’ freedom to make end-of-life decisions that are best for them and their families. We ask New York lawmakers to join us.”
Paulin underscores that the legislation would only legalize the choice for terminally ill patients — who are often in unbearable physical pain — to end their life.
“There are many safeguards in the bill that would protect against the choice being used for anything other than its purpose,” Paulin adds. “I realize that supporting Aid in Dying legislation is a very personal decision, and it is not for everyone. I will, however, continue to fight for it to be a legal option for New Yorkers — both in this legislative session and, if it comes to it, every session after until it passes.”
Corinne Carey, Senior NY/NJ Campaign Director at Compassion and Choices, says their focus between now and the end of the legislative session is getting the bill passed.
“Our goal is simple and unchanged: stop needless suffering for dying New Yorkers,” Carey says.
“Ayla Rain Eilert died at age 24 last month in Manhattan from aggressive tongue cancer in excruciating pain that could not be controlled. Jennifer Milich of Buffalo died just the month before Ayla after advocating for medical aid in dying for the last three years. She suffered terribly in her final days and weeks,” Carey adds. “Both wanted the option to die peacefully and without pain. Neither had that opportunity. Stopping deaths like that are what we are hoping to accomplish in passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act this month.”
Carey is confident that if the bill is brought to the floor of either house, the majority will vote to end of suffering of terminally ill New Yorkers.
“Dying people have no time for political excuses,” Carey underscores.
Bailey Hosfelt is a full-time reporter at Examiner Media, with a special interest in LGBTQ+ issues and the environment. Originally from Connecticut and raised in West Virginia, the maternal side of their family has roots in Rye. Prior to Examiner, Bailey contributed to City Limits, where they wrote about healthcare and climate change. Bailey graduated from Fordham University with a bachelor’s in journalism and currently resides in Brooklyn with their girlfriend and two cats, Lieutenant Governor and Hilma. When they’re not reporting, Bailey can be found picking up free books off the street, shooting film photography, and scouring neighborhood thrift stores for the next best find. You can follow Bailey on Twitter at @baileyhosfelt.
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