Medical aid in dying is now authorized in New York. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Medical Aid in Dying Act on February 6, 2026. The law will take effect on August 5, 2026, expanding end-of-life options for terminally ill New Yorkers and affirming their right to make informed, compassionate decisions at the end of life.
This landmark achievement is the result of more than a decade of advocacy led by Compassion & Choices, alongside allied organizations and hundreds of New Yorkers who shared their stories, raised their voices, and urged lawmakers to act. Together, they helped build the understanding and momentum necessary to pass this long-awaited legislation.
Compassion & Choices extends deep gratitude to Governor Hochul for signing the bill into law, and to the legislative champions who made this moment possible: Assemblymember Amy Paulin, who carried the bill from its original introduction in 2015 through enactment; Senator Diane Savino, who advanced the legislation during key years; Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who shepherded it through passage in both chambers; and Senator Gustavo Rivera, who sponsored the bill at the finish line.
Additional information about implementation, guidance, and access will be posted as it becomes available. Please check back on this page for updates, and visit our events page for information about upcoming educational and community events.
Send a note of gratitude of your own to your elected officials, Assemblymember Paulin, Senator Hoylman-Sigal, and Governor Kathy Hochul.
Compassion & Choices has filed an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit asserting that New York laws against aiding or causing someone else’s death do not apply to physicians who provide medical aid in dying to suffering terminally ill adults who request it. The New York State Court of Appeals is considering hearing the case, Myers…
Compassion & Choices called on the New York State Legislature to do what the public wants and pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act (S.3151/A.2383). Legislators and advocates supporting medical aid in dying were joined at a Capitol news conference today by several people from across the state who have been deeply and personally affected…
Compassion & Choices New York today released a video featuring Jay Kallio, a 9/11 first responder who passed away on September 30, 2016 from lung cancer without being able to access medical aid in dying, legislation he passionately advocated for even prior to his own diagnosis. The poignant video tells the story of 60-year-old Jay,…
Compassion & Choices New York campaign director Corinne Carey today lauded the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) House of Delegates decision to authorize a survey of physicians, medical residents and medical students. “On behalf of the millions of New Yorkers who support making medical aid in dying in New York legal,…
The evidence is on our side. So are the polls. But New York lawmakers won’t authorize medical aid in dying unless they hear from you — their constituents. You can help make medical aid in dying a reality for New Yorkers by talking to those who represent you in the state legislature by Calling them…
Love, Compassion, and Faith. That was the theme of Compassion & Choices New York’s first-ever faith gathering held outside of the Senate Lobby at the New York State Capitol Building in Albany on Valentine’s Day. Religious leaders of different faiths spoke of ministering to dying New Yorkers, and what faith and experience have taught them…
Religious leaders from several faith traditions gathered today at the Capitol to hold a first-ever New York faith gathering to urge passage of the Medical Aid in Dying Act (S.3151/A.2383), which would provide terminally ill, mentally competent adult New Yorkers with the legal right to request a prescription to bring about a peaceful death. The…
La muerte médica asistida: una opción cristiana para terminar con el sufrimiento al final de vida No tengo ningún problema con la noción de la muerte, porque la muerte es parte de la vida. Es cómo la enfrentamos y el camino que tomamos durante su proceso, lo que hace la diferencia. Es una bendición que…
The neurologist was “concise in his description: ‘The man is dead.’ -’What do you mean?’ -”He is brain dead.’ In spite of what the neurologist said, we were not yet able to diagnose brain death in this patient, but I was delegated to go to the patient’s bedside. I walked into the room, and he…
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