Albany, NY – Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-Westchester), Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, announced that New York's landmark Medical Aid in Dying Act (Ch. 714 of 2025 and Ch. 1 of 2026) officially takes effect TODAY, marking a historic new chapter in compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill New Yorkers.

The legislation, authored and championed by Assemblywoman Paulin and signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul six months ago, allows mentally capable, terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live to request medication that they may choose to self administer to peacefully end unbearable suffering.

"Today is a truly historic day for New York," said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. "After more than a decade of advocacy, education, and determination, the Medical Aid in Dying Act is now the law of the land. Beginning today, terminally ill New Yorkers facing unimaginable suffering have the comfort of knowing they have one more compassionate option available to them. This law is about dignity, autonomy, mercy, and respecting deeply personal end-of-life decisions."

The Medical Aid in Dying Act contains some of the strongest safeguards in the nation. Eligible patients must be mentally capable adults diagnosed with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less to live, as confirmed by two independent physicians. Patients must undergo a mental health evaluation to confirm decision-making capacity, make both verbal and written requests, record an audio or video request, and wait at least five days before a prescription may be filled. The medication must be self-administered by the patient, ensuring that the final decision always remains voluntary.

"The safeguards built into this law ensure that it will be implemented carefully, responsibly, and with the utmost respect for patients and families," Paulin said. "States that have had medical aid in dying laws in place for decades have demonstrated that these protections work, while giving tremendous peace of mind to those facing the end of life."

For Assemblywoman Paulin, the legislation has always been deeply personal. "My sister died a horrific death from ovarian cancer," Paulin said. "In her final days, she experienced pain so overwhelming that she begged for death. Watching someone you love suffer in that way changes you forever. Her experience has stayed with me every day throughout this journey and inspired my commitment to ensuring that no one should be forced to endure needless suffering if they choose otherwise."

Although only a small percentage of eligible patients are expected to utilize medical aid in dying, experience in other states has shown that many terminally ill patients find tremendous comfort simply in knowing the option exists.

"Many people who qualify for medical aid in dying never take the medication," Paulin added. "For many families, simply having the choice provides comfort, reassurance, and a greater sense of control during one of life's most difficult moments."

New York now joins a growing number of states that recognize medical aid in dying as a compassionate end-of-life option.

"This day belongs to the countless patients, families, physicians, advocates, and loved ones who courageously shared their stories over the years," Paulin said. "Their voices made this possible. I am profoundly grateful to Governor Hochul for signing this legislation into law, to my Senate partners Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Gustavo Rivera, and to every advocate who never gave up. Today, New York affirms that compassion and dignity have a place in end-of-life care, and I couldn't be prouder."