NYS Senate Passes Medical Aid in Dying Act

The New York State Senate passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act (35-27), marking the first time the bill made it through both chambers. The legislation would permit mentally capable adults with a terminal diagnosis of six months or less to request life-ending medication. Though controversial, Democratic lawmakers defended its safeguards, citing a decade of precedent from other states without reported abuse. Critics, including Republican Senate Leader Rob Ortt, argue the focus should be on improving palliative care. Advocates celebrated outside the Capitol, hopeful that Governor Hochul will sign it, which would make New York the 12th jurisdiction (including D.C.) to legalize the practice. The bill remains under close public scrutiny, especially given its emotional and ethical weight.

Source: Rochester First

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