New York has reached a historic milestone for end-of-life choices. After years of tireless advocacy, the Death with Dignity law has passed the legislature and now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature on the Medical Aid in Dying Act. Once the bill is transmitted to her desk, she’ll have 10 days to sign it into law. During this time, it’s critical that she understands what’s at stake for terminally ill New Yorkers and their loved ones.
When Using the Death with Dignity Law Means Leaving Home
Last year, Jeri was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive neurological illness called PSP. There’s no cure, and the disease moves fast. Within months, the woman her family knew—sharp, stylish, unshakable—was slipping away. As her condition worsened, Jeri made the difficult decision to travel across the country to Oregon, one of the few states where non-residents can access medical aid in dying.
The journey was long and full of hurdles. Jeri had to remain of sound mind, physically able to travel, and capable of self-administering the medication—all while her health was rapidly declining. In Oregon, her family finally found a compassionate space for her final days. Surrounded by friends and loved ones, Jeri shared laughter, memories, and her “living eulogy.” She left the world peacefully, on her own terms.
Read her full story, told by her daughter Casey, here.
Jeri’s story shows the power of choice—and the inequities that remain across state lines. No one should have to leave their home to die with dignity. Passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act ensures that New Yorkers have the same compassionate option at home in New York.
When Medical Aid in Dying Isn’t An Option
In 2022, Joyce went in for what she thought was a routine check-up. Instead, she was told she had end-stage liver cancer and only weeks to live. At 74, Joyce was the heartbeat of her family—vibrant, joyful, and full of love. Her decline was swift and cruel. Despite hospice care, she endured unbearable pain and fear. She begged her family to help her end her suffering—not out of fear of death, but of the agony she knew was coming.
Because New York has no medical aid in dying law, Joyce didn’t get the dignified death she wanted. She died three weeks later, just shy of her 75th birthday. New York’s Death with Dignity law would ensure that anyone who is terminally ill and meets the additional qualifications has this peaceful and dignified option at the end of life.
Read Joyce’s story, told by her daughter Justine, here.
Why Lawmakers Support the New York Medical Aid in Dying Act
Many New York lawmakers have spoken about why this legislation matters deeply to them. Bill sponsor Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigel shared that the law offers comfort, knowing he and his loved ones could remain in control at life’s end.
Assemblymember Phara Souffrant-Forrest, a nurse, has witnessed countless patients die in pain despite the best care available. She supports the bill so she can offer her patients true comfort and peace.
Assemblymembers Amy Paulin, Jessica González-Rojas, Kenny Burgos, Anna Kelles, Catalina Cruz, and Senator Nathalia Fernandez have also spoken about how this law would bring compassion, equity, and dignity to New Yorkers facing terminal illness.
How You Can Advocate for Death with Dignity in New York
Governor Hochul’s signature is the final step in making medical aid in dying a reality in New York—a compassionate end-of-life option that gives terminally ill people the ability to decide how and when they say goodbye. Now is the time to make sure she knows how much this matters.
If you’re a New Yorker, take one minute to send a pre-written letter urging Governor Hochul to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act into law. Every message she receives makes a difference.
If you live outside the state, please forward the link to someone you know in New York. Together, we can help ensure no one has to leave home to die with dignity. A win for New York is a win for everyone.