Medical Aid in Dying Act signed into law
The new law will allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live, an option to take medicine prescribed by a doctor to end their lives if they choose.
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The Medical Aid in Dying Act was signed into law last Friday, making New York one of the more than 10 states that provides terminally ill residents with a medical option to end their lives if they choose.
The bill was authored and championed by New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, of Scarsdale, whose sister died after a battle with ovarian cancer.
She says her sister was not originally the reason she put the bill in, but that her sister gave her the courage to continue.
"Ultimately, she died with one family member lying at her side in the middle of the night. That is not how she wanted to die," said Assemblywoman Paulin.
The new law will allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live, an option to take medicine prescribed by a doctor to end their lives if they choose.
It is comprised of various safeguards to ensure it is being applied correctly.
For example, patients must be mentally capable of consenting, and their terminal prognosis must be verified by two independent physicians.
Assemblywoman Paulin says the law provides a new option for those suffering.
"Suicide is something completely different. That's usually, or that's almost always someone who does not have a terminal illness, is not dying, who decides they want to die and that is not allowed," she said.
The law has been met with opposition from advocacy groups for the disabled who say alternatives should be look into.
"Home and community-based services would need to be prioritized first," said Elizabeth McCormick with New York Association on Independent Living. "We should be giving people with disabilities assistance in living, not dying."
