NYSBA Launches Letter Writing Campaign on Medical Aid in Dying
11.21.2025
The New York State Bar Association is launching a letter writing campaign urging Gov. Hochul to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act into law.
“Medical Aid in Dying offers both dignity and compassion to those experiencing a terminal illness,” New York State Bar Association President Kathleen Sweet said. “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.”
The association worked tirelessly to encourage passage in the state legislature. The NYSBA Task Force on Medical Aid in Dying report was adopted by the association’s House of Delegates last year. 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. Follow this link to voice your support to Gov. Hochul.
The Medical Aid in Dying Act allows terminally ill, mentally capable adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live to request a prescription for medication that will end their lives. If signed by the governor, New York State will join 11 other U.S. jurisdictions in legalizing this deeply personal end-of-life option. The legislation was included in the New York State Bar Association’s legislative priorities for the 2025 session.
Sweet and Immediate Past President Domenick Napoletano were instrumental in NYSBA’s advocacy efforts. Sweet thanked the bill’s sponsors, state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Amy Paulin, for their support and urged the governor to swiftly sign this important legislation into law.
