The New York Medical Aid in Dying Act is in effect as of 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.
The New York State Department of Health released proposed regulations on June 3, 2026, providing guidance on how the law will be administered and establishing procedures for providers and healthcare organizations. Additionally, on July 27, 2026, the Department of Health published further guidance to their website, geared toward patients, families, and caregivers. For official information, visit the New York State Department of Health’s Medical Aid in Dying webpage.
You can see information about the regulations and the forthcoming guidance by visiting the Department’s website by clicking this link.
Send a note of gratitude of your own to your elected officials, Assemblymember Paulin, Senator Hoylman-Sigal, and Governor Kathy Hochul.
Medical aid in dying is for people who are already dying. It is a lawful medical option for qualified adults with a terminal illness, a prognosis of six months or less to live, who can make their own healthcare decisions and have the ability to take the medication themselves.
Medical aid in dying is not suicide or euthanasia. Compassion & Choices supports people seeking information about lawful end-of-life care options in the United States. We do not provide instructions or guidance for ending your life outside supportive medical care.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, in crisis, or thinking about suicide, help is available right now. You are not alone, and your pain deserves care. Call 988, text 988, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at https://988lifeline.org/chat/
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 I agree wholeheartedly that the residency requirement for the New Jersey law should be rescinded.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…
Distributed to New York State Lawmakers via email May 23, 2022: Good evening, More and more of your colleagues are adding their names as co-sponsors of New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act (A4321a/S6471), but time is running out for you to use your power to help terminally ill people and stop needless suffering at…
Madres Comparten Historias Dolorosas sobre la Muerte de sus Hijas; Hijos Hablan de la Muerte de sus Madres La presidenta del Comité de Salud de la Asamblea Amy Paulin (D-Westchester) y el senador Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Manhattan) organizaron hoy una Conmemoración del Día de las Madres para instar a sus colegas a aprobar el Medical Aid in…
Assembly Health Committee Chairwoman Amy Paulin (D-Westchester) and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Manhattan) hosted a Mother’s Day Commemoration for state legislators today, urging their colleagues to help pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act – which has a combined 79 sponsors in the two houses – before the 2023 legislative session ends next month. Medical aid in dying allows…
Defensores Marcharon desde Oficinas Legislativas (LOB) hasta el Capitolio para Honrar a las Personas que Murieron Defendiendo esta Opción Compasiva, Muchos Sufriendo Innecesariamente Casi 80 Co patrocinadores Impulsan Acción Legislativa Antes del Final de la Sesión La Presidenta del Comité de Salud de la Asamblea, Amy Paulin (D-Westchester) y el Senador Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Manhattan) anunciaron…
Nearly 80 Co-Sponsors Push for Legislative Action Before End of Session Assembly Health Committee Chairwoman Amy Paulin (D-Westchester) and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Manhattan) announced on Monday that they were intensifying their efforts to make 2023 the year that New York passes the Medical Aid in Dying Act, of which they are lead sponsors. Medical aid in…
Hoylman-Sigal: “We have 3 days left. This is an important bill. You may be surprised at what happens in the next few days.” Paulin: “We have 3 of the longest days. Nothing is impossible. When it comes to the Floor it will pass with resounding numbers.” Carey: “We have more than enough support in both…
Compassion & Choices se Une a los Legisladores y Defensores para Volver a Presentar el Proyecto de Ley Johnston: “Imagino la muerte como algo que no implica trauma, dolor y un sufrimiento innecesario. Pero en este momento no tengo esa opción”. La Presidenta del Comité de Salud de la Asamblea, Amy Paulin (D-Westchester) y el Senador Brad…
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