A recent Empire Report article by Assemblymembers Karines Reyes, RN, and Phara Souffrant Forrest, RN—both nurses—adds a critically important voice to the growing demand for passage of New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act. As a national organization that has long supported the rights of terminally ill individuals to make decisions about their own dying process, we at Death with Dignity are deeply grateful to these two legislators for sharing their firsthand experiences and urging their Senate colleagues to act.
Their clinical and legislative perspectives make a uniquely powerful case: medical aid in dying is not an abstract policy discussion; it’s a matter of real terminally ill patients who want the option to end their life on their own terms. And it’s a choice that should be available.
“We are women. We are women of color. We are both nurses. And we are elected Members of the New York State Assembly who proudly voted to empower dying New Yorkers with the option of medical aid in dying to allow them to avoid needless suffering at the end of their lives.”
The Assemblymembers highlight what so many frontline healthcare professionals, especially nurses, understand deeply: that respecting a patient’s wishes at the end of life is a critical part of compassionate, ethical care. These clinicians have accompanied patients through every stage of illness and understand that what matters most at the end is honoring the individual’s values, choices, and dignity.
Nurses are the stewards of this care. They know how to listen, to advocate, and to protect what matters most when time is short. In supporting end-of-life options, they are not only providing care, they are affirming the right of every person to choose what a dignified death means to them.
In their words:
“Every single patient that we have taken care of, 100% of them, wants to live. Nobody wants to die. But… we cannot always cure people. For those individuals… facing a choice on how their final days look – the option of medical aid in dying must be available.”
Assemblymembers Reyes and Souffrant Forrest also highlight the strong and diverse support the bill has received, including from the Medical Society of the State of New York, the New York State Academy of Family Physicians, and the New York State Nurses Association—organizations that understand patient care on both a systemic and deeply personal level.
Their message to the Senate is clear: delaying this bill has consequences for real people. For New Yorkers confronting terminal illness, time is not a luxury they have.
“It’s time, New York. Senators, the wait must be over. Don’t leave session without passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act.”
We commend Assemblymembers Reyes and Souffrant Forrest for their courage, compassion, and leadership. Their voices help move this debate beyond policy and into the reality of New Yorkers’ lives. As this legislative session nears its conclusion, we urge New York’s Senate to listen—and act.
Advocates are the driving force behind passing Death with Dignity laws, and we need you in this fight! Sign our pledge to stay informed about critical legislative developments in your state and actions you can take to push the movement forward. Together, we’re building a future where terminally ill individuals have the power to choose peace at the end of life.