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.
The New York State Department of Health has released proposed regulations to implement the Medical Aid in Dying Act, an important step toward ensuring that eligible terminally ill New Yorkers can access this option when the law takes effect on August 5, 2026. The regulations provide guidance on key aspects of the law, including eligibility, the request process, self-administration requirements, and provider responsibilities. The Department is currently accepting public comments on the proposed regulations and has announced that additional public information, comprehensive guidance, and implementation resources will be made available in the coming weeks through its website. Please check back for updates as new information becomes available.
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.
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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For New Yorkers facing their final months, weeks, or days with a terminal illness, New York’s Medical Aid in Dying will provide comfort and compassion.
