New York Legalizes Medically Assisted Suicide

United States — New York (state) Governor Kathy Hochul announced a deal with state legislative leaders to approve the Medical Aid in Dying Act, which will allow terminally ill residents to legally end their lives with prescribed medication. The bill, which Kathy Hochul will sign into law next year, includes 'guardrails' such as confirmation from medical and psychological professionals, a five-day waiting period, and a written and recorded oral request to ensure free will. The legislation, first introduced in 2016, faced years of opposition from groups like the New York State Catholic Conference and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who argued it devalues human life. United States — New York (state) will join a dozen other states and the United States — Washington, D.C., including United States — Illinois, which recently passed similar legislation.