The New York State Bar Association Applauds Passage of Medical Aid in Dying, Encourages Gov. Hochul To Sign Bill Into Law
6.9.2025
The New York State Bar Association applauds the state Legislature for passing S138/A136, a bill that allows terminally ill, mentally capable adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live to request from their doctor a prescription for medication they can take to die peacefully in their sleep. If signed by the governor, New York State will join 11 other U.S. jurisdictions in legalizing this deeply personal end-of-life option. This legislation was included in the New York State Bar Association’s legislative priorities for the 2025 session.
NYSBA’s governing body, the House of Delegates, adopted a 2024 report by the Task Force on Medical Aid in Dying, chaired by Mary Beth Morrissey. The report outlines many of the safeguards included in the legislation, offers a thorough study of the effects in other jurisdictions, and includes testimony from numerous experts with varying perspectives.
Kathleen Sweet, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement in response to the passage of the legislation:
“Medical Aid in Dying offers both dignity and compassion to those experiencing a terminal illness. It ensures that New Yorkers have a full array of end-of-life options and provides them with the autonomy to make their own choices to avoid needless suffering. We commend the legislature for passing this important bill and will continue to offer our support and advocacy in encouraging the governor to sign it into law.”
Morrissey, Sweet, and Immediate Past President Domenick Napoletano were instrumental in NYSBA’s advocacy efforts. Sweet thanks the bill’s sponsors, state Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Amy Paulin, for their support and urges the governor to swiftly sign this important legislation into law.
