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.
Let the Legislature debate and vote on the Medical Aid in Dying Act — as suggested by the New York Daily News — for what I am confident will be certain overwhelming, bipartisan passage.
Joining the Effort: LI Doctor Who Sponsored Resolution Resulting in the Medical Society of New York Supporting Medical Aid in Dying Supporting Organizations – League of Women Voters, Statewide Senior Action Network, Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts, NY Bar Assn. – Urge Passage The prime sponsors of New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act, Assembly…
Corinne Carey, Compassion & Choices’ Senior Campaign Director for New York and New Jersey, issued this statement following the decision Sunday by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) to reverse its longtime opposition to New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act and support passage of the bill. “This was a longtime conversion…
Two Physicians – Both Board-Certified in Hospice Care – Will Share First-Hand Experiences of Medical Aid in Dying in NJ and DC Assembly Member Reyes: “We have a chance to provide compassion. It is long overdue. Now is the time.” Dr. Paladine: “Let’s embrace this compassionate choice and provide terminally ill patients in our state with…
Corinne Carey, Compassion & Choices’ Senior Campaign Director for NY/NJ issued the following statement after the New York State Bar Association’s House of Delegates voted Friday to support passage of the Medical Aid in Dying Act. A copy of the Bar Association’s press release can be found here. “Compassion & Choices applauds the members of the New York…
Asambleísta Al Taylor: “Aprendan de mi experiencia. No esperen hasta que sean ustedes o sus padres, su cónyuge o un ser querido”. Rev. James Galasinski: “Mientras consolaba a un amigo y feligrés que estaba muriendo, ambos concluimos que la opción de ayuda médica para morir es un regalo amoroso y compasivo”. Nancy Murphy: “Mi hermana…
Advocates Urge NY Lawmakers to Pass Medical Aid in Dying Act When They Return in January Nearly six out of 10 registered New York State voters (58%) support “legislation that would allow a doctor to prescribe lethal drugs that a terminally ill patient with demonstrated decision-making capacity could take on their own in order to…
An excerpt from The New York Times letter to the editor by Bronx resident Jules Netherland, published September 25, 2023: Paula Span’s column brought important attention to the issue of medical aid in dying (MAID). I agree wholeheartedly that the residency requirement for the New Jersey law should be rescinded. But as someone living with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer…
“I am deeply grateful to the sponsors of New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act A995a/S2445a, Assemblymember Amy Paulin and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and the dozens of lawmakers who have joined our effort to improve end-of-life care by expanding options for terminally ill adults in the Empire State. With their leadership — and the work…
To receive personalized support, resources, and information.
Leave a message at 800.247.7421 to get connected.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, or prefer written communication, you are welcome to reach us by email at [email protected]
Mail contributions directly to:
Compassion & Choices Gift Processing Center
PO Box 485
Etna, NH 03750
Compassion & Choices is a 501 C3 organization. Federal tax number: 84-1328829
