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Poll and Capitol Push Turn Up Pressure on Hochul Over New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Bill

The governor is weighing a measure that would let certain terminally ill adults self-administer prescribed life-ending medication.

Overview

  • Public Policy Polling found 56% of New Yorkers want Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the bill, based on a Sept. 17–18 survey of more than 1,000 residents.
  • Supporters rallied near the governor’s office in Albany and delivered a letter with over 4,200 signatures urging her to sign.
  • The legislation cleared the Assembly in April and the Senate on June 9, but it has not yet been sent to the governor’s desk, and she has until year’s end to act.
  • The proposal limits eligibility to mentally competent adults with a prognosis of six months or less, requiring physician approval and a mental health evaluation before a prescription.
  • Opposition from the New York State Catholic Conference and the New York Alliance Against Assisted Suicide stresses risks to vulnerable people and warns of broader suicide impacts, with the governor’s office citing more than 22,000 messages against the bill.