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.
Compassion & Choices President & CEO Kim Callinan today vowed to intensify the campaign to pass New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act in 2023 and demand that legislators either support the bill or explain why they are turning their backs on their dying, suffering constituents at a Manhattan news conference today. “With an intensified campaign by…
“Fue una manera pacífica, tranquila y verdaderamente hermosa de terminar una vida”. Corinne Carey, directora de campaña de Nueva York para Compassion & Choices, dijo que la campaña para convertir a Nueva York en el onceavo estado en autorizar la ayuda médica para morir ha sido todo un éxito, emocionando a los que la apoyan…
Corinne Carey, directora de campaña de Nueva York para Compassion & Choices, dijo que la campaña para convertir a Nueva York en el onceavo estado en autorizar la ayuda médica para morir se intensificará y continuará tratando de lograr el compromiso en cada rincón del estado. Carey y varios residentes locales participaron hoy en una…
“It was such a peaceful, gentle, truly beautiful way to end a life.”Compassion & Choices Senior New York Campaign Director Corinne Carey said that the campaign to make New York the 11th state to authorize medical aid in dying has been a huge success, energizing supporters and advocates. Carey and advocates participated in a Syracuse news conference…
“Patient decisions must not be limited at the end of life. Legislators, get this done.” I beg legislators to help me fulfill her last wish & pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act.” Compassion & Choices Senior New York Campaign Director Corinne Carey said that the campaign to make New York the 11th state to authorize medical aid in…
“No hay manera de explicar el sentimiento de impotencia, temor y angustia al verlo sufrir” Su temor de no tener la opción de una muerte pacífica se hizo realidad…una muerte lenta y llena de sufrimiento Corinne Carey, directora de campaña de Nueva York para Compassion & Choices, suplico a legisladores estatales del Oeste de Nueva…
Compassion & Choices Senior New York Campaign Director Corinne Carey implored state legislators from Western New York and across the state to ease the suffering of too many terminally ill New Yorkers at the end of life by passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act in 2023. Carey was joined at a Buffalo news conference today –…
Corrine Carey, directora de campaña de NY para Compassion & Choices exigió a los legisladores que dejen de ignorar a los habitantes del estado de Nueva York que sufren al final de la vida. Lo hizo hoy, durante una conferencia de prensa en Lake Placid, al lanzar una campaña comunitaria de dos meses en todo…
“Aid-in-dying laws lead to increase in hospice care & improved end-of-life care” “LAWMAKERS MUST STOP TURNING THEIR BACKS ON NYERS SUFFERING AT THE END OF LIFE” Compassion & Choices Senior New York Campaign Director Corrine Carey urged legislators to stop turning their backs on New Yorkers suffering at the end of life, as she kicked…
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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.
