On April 29, 2025, New York made history as the Assembly passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act (A136) for the first time. This landmark moment comes after more than a decade of tireless advocacy and unwavering dedication from supporters and lawmakers alike. By a vote of 81 to 67, 81 courageous legislators chose to put the rights of terminally ill New Yorkers first. One of those voices was Assemblymember Amy Paulin, who voted with a recent memory of her sister in mind:
“I’m proud that our unwavering commitment has helped bring dignity, choice, and relief to those facing terminal illness. This is a powerful moment for our state and a true victory for humanity and personal freedom.”
Civil servants are the voices of their community, and hearing a simple “thank you” from our own Death with Dignity community is a meaningful gesture to show appreciation and support for their brave leadership. New Yorkers—join us in saying “thank you” to the 81 New York Assemblymembers by writing them a letter now.
As New York’s medical aid in dying bill advances to the Senate, we’re encouraged by the advocacy of the lawmakers from this year’s session, and those we were lucky enough to sit down with in 2023 and 2024, who helped move New York one step closer to this peaceful end-of-life option.
Bill Sponsor Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal
“It’s about control and agency and establishing peace of mind for one’s final days.”
Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal has been one of the most consistent and passionate champions of Death with Dignity legislation in New York. For years, he has led with courage and conviction, and has made sure that his colleagues in the Senate understand just how vital it is for terminally ill New Yorkers to have the option of medical aid in dying. His steadfast leadership has brought visibility, urgency, and compassion to an issue that impacts so many families across the state.
Thanks to Senator Hoylman-Sigal’s tireless efforts, the movement for end-of-life options continues to gain momentum in Albany, and we are confident he will help bring the bill to the finish line in New York.
Assemblymember Chantel Jackson
“I was not a supporter at first.”
When Assemblymember Chantel Jackson first encountered the Medical Aid in Dying Act, she shared a common hesitation. Influenced by her religious beliefs, she questioned whether allowing doctors to assist in end-of-life decisions was, in her words, “playing God.” But her perspective began to shift after she met with Death with Dignity advocates and listened to deeply personal stories from families who had watched loved ones suffer in their final days without the option of medical aid in dying.
Those conversations moved her. Today, Assemblymember Jackson is a proud sponsor of A136. She has become a powerful voice in the Assembly, helping to advance the bill with heartfelt testimony and commitment to making this end-of-life option possible for terminally ill New Yorkers.
While we’re grateful to the lawmakers and advocates who’ve helped us come this far in New York, the fight is far from over. Terminally ill patients in New York still need our help. New Yorkers who believe in end-of-life freedom need our help. We’ve been fighting for New York over the last decade, and we cannot let our opponents stop us this year. We need your help to raise awareness for the Death with Dignity movement by making a donation.
Your dollars support our lobbyists, legal teams, and raise state-wide awareness for New York. Please help us bring Death with Dignity to New York by making your donation to support end-of-life freedom today.