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 Albany Times Union letter to editor, “Hospitals must disclose ethical, religious rules,” by East Schodack resident Karen R. Kaufmann, published August 28, 2022 “I commend Rachel Silberstein for her excellent story ( “New York reproductive care eroding amid Catholic-secular hospital mergers,” Aug. 14), uncovering how the “merger negotiations between St. Peter’s and Ellis…
Distributed to New York State Lawmakers via email June 2, 2022: Good afternoon, This Legislature had the ability to ease the suffering of dying, terminally ill New Yorkers and once again failed to do so by declining to even consider New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act ( A4321a/ S6471). As the Albany Times Union said in an editorial…
Songs from the powerful musical about a terminally ill young woman’s ultimate choice premiere at a sold-out event. After a pandemic-related delay, the Goodbye New York album, performed by the production’s all-Broadway cast and band, premiered at Feinstein’s/54 Below in the heart of New York City’s theater district on May 8. “The night far exceeded…
An excerpt from the Syracuse.com letter to the editor, “Legislators should pass Medical Aid in Dying Act,” by Baldwinsville resident Carol Keysor, published May 31, 2022: “As someone who has spent over 40 years working in medicine, I am appalled that New York does not have medical aid in dying to provide options to…
Esta editorial fue publicado en El Diario (NY) y La Opinión en Los Ángeles el 24 de mayo. “…..Los hispanos carecen de acceso a cuidados de fin de vida equitativos o de información culturalmente apropiada en español, el idioma que más prefiere nuestra gente. Por esta razón, la Fundación Herencia Hispana (HHF) y El Consejo Nacional Hispano del Adulto Mayor (NHCOA) se…
Dozens of advocates for the Medical Aid in Dying Act rallied at the State Capitol on May 24. Dozens of advocates for the Medical Aid in Dying Act – sponsored by Senator Diane Savino (D-Staten Island) and Assemblymember Amy Paulin (D-Westchester) and more than 70 cosponsors in the two houses – rallied at the State Capitol today…
An excerpt from The Albany Times Union commentary, “Protect bodily autonomy by authorizing medical aid in dying,” by Peru resident and former NYS Assemblymember Janet L. Duprey, published May 23, 2022: …I am a lifelong Catholic Republican who has always believed in bodily autonomy. As an Assembly member from 2007-2016, I always stood up publicly for reproductive…
Distributed to New York State Lawmakers via email May 16, 2022: Good morning, In light of the vicious, hateful killings of treasured Buffalo community members, my only message for today is to send my deepest condolences and regards to our Buffalo friends — the families of those who lost loved ones, the community that experienced…
An excerpt from the Daily News opinion piece, “Let terminally ill New Yorkers choose to die,” by Amy Eilert and Daren Eilert, published May 12, 2022: “Imagine you are proud parents of a vibrant 23-year-old daughter living her dream as a ballet dancer, painter and certified yoga instructor in the world’s greatest city, New York….
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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.
