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.
Distributed to New York State Lawmakers via email May 9, 2022: Last week, I asked you to consider what side you’re on with regard to New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act. I told you that this peaceful dying option has strong support from New York voters and doctors. So I asked you to stand with the majority…
Distributed to New York State Lawmakers via email May 2, 2022: Good afternoon, Last week, families of 22 advocates for New York’s Medical AId in Dying Act joined lawmakers and other supporters for a Candle-Lighting Tribute and a Rally to ask for your support to end needless suffering and pass the bill authorizing the compassionate option of…
“22 Personas Especiales Murieron – Muchos Estaban Sufriendo Mientras la Legislatura de Nueva York No Pasó esta Opción Compasiva de Cuidados de Salud para el Fin de Vida” – Legisladores de NY se Unen a Familiares Aún en Duelo Defensores y familiares de personas que han muerto en los últimos seis años desde que se…
Legislators Join Still-Grieving Family Members from Across New York Scores of advocates and relatives of advocates who have died over the last six years since the Medical Aid in Dying Act Aid in Dying Act was originally originally introduced in 2016 in 2016 participated in an emotional candle lighting ceremony in the Legislative Office Building this morning to honor their…
Distributed to New York State Lawmakers via email April 25, 2022: Welcome back to Albany. In the Legislative Office Building this week, you will see a series of display boards that make a compelling case for passing New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act (A4321a/S6471). I urge you to stop and take a moment of…
Tribunal Dictaminó que una Viuda Tiene Derecho a Indemnización por Daños y Perjuicios Porque su Fallecido Esposo Recibió un Tratamiento Doloroso No Deseado al Final de su Vida Un tribunal de Nueva York emitió por primera vez, un fallo estableciendo que las personas tienen derecho a una indemnización por dolor y sufrimiento que los médicos…
Court Rules Widow Entitled to Damages for Deceased Husband Receiving Unwanted Painful Treatment at End of Life For the first time, a New York court has issued a ruling holding that individuals are entitled to damages for pain and suffering from doctors who provide them with unwanted medical treatment at the end of life. The…
Distributed to New York State Lawmakers via email April 4, 2022: Good morning! As you work to finalize the state budget and money is on your mind, I thought I’d take this opportunity to answer three of the most commonly asked questions I get about the financial implications of medical aid in dying. Does choosing…
Distributed to New York State Lawmakers via email March 28 2022: Good morning! What do a world-renowned Christian theologian, a leading medical ethicist from NYU, an Oregon-based hospice advocate, and a Bronx man who lost his brother to cancer have in common? They all at one point opposed the idea of medical aid in dying,…
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
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.
