Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Assembly approves medical aid‑in‑dying law after hours of debate
Summary
The New York State Assembly passed legislation to allow mentally competent, terminally ill adults to receive medication to end their lives, following hours of testimony and close floor debate. The bill requires two physicians, self‑administration, and several procedural safeguards; opponents warned of risks to vulnerable New Yorkers.
The New York State Assembly on Tuesday approved legislation amending the Public Health Law to permit mentally capable adults with a medically confirmed prognosis of six months or less to request, receive and self‑administer medication to end their own lives.
The bill, sponsored on the floor by Assemblymember Pollan, passed after a slow roll call with 81 votes in favor and 67 opposed. The law takes effect immediately, according to the measure’s text.
Supporters said the measure gives a narrow, carefully regulated option to a small number of patients who face unbearable pain and imminent death. “Most people who get [a prescription] are going to die their natural course,” Assemblymember Pollan said during floor debate, describing the law as a last‑resort option for a very small percentage of patients. Pollan and other backers stressed requirements in the bill: two physicians must confirm the terminal diagnosis, the patient must be at least 18, the drug must be self‑administered,…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
