NY Governor Kathy Hochul signed an amended Medical Aid in Dying Act, which her office promotes as giving New Yorkers a “choice to suffer less,” shortening the process of dying rather than life itself.
The law allows mentally competent, terminally ill adults to request life-ending medication.
Pro-life and disability advocates warn the legislation puts vulnerable residents at risk of coercion, abandonment and premature death while potentially undermining palliative care and the sanctity of life. Critics, including Americans United for Life, say its safeguards are weak and could erode over time, creating financial incentives for insurers to favor assisted death over life-sustaining treatment. Religious home hospice providers may opt out, but patients could still access lethal medication elsewhere.
In Massachusetts, legislators are still pushing a bill to legalize assisted suicide even though voters rejected a similar proposal in 2012. Raise your voice and contact your legislators to oppose this bill in MA.
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