New York legalizes medical aid in dying after decade-long battle

New Yorkers with no more than six months to live who meet a strict set of requirements are now able to request life-ending medication from their health care providers, Report informs via Politico.

The controversial Medical Aid in Dying Act went into effect Wednesday, paving the way for New Yorkers with terminal illnesses to request lethal medication. New York becomes the 14th state, along with the District of Columbia, to legalize medical aid in dying. Advocates continue to push similar legislation in more than a dozen other states.

Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul took into account some of their concerns when negotiating amendments to the law with bill sponsors former Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Amy Paulin, before signing it in February.

Hochul spokesperson Nicolette Simmonds said the law already included protections for religious institutions that don't want to play any role in helping terminally ill patients end their lives.

"While we cannot comment on any pending litigation, under this historic legislation participation is entirely voluntary, and religious facilities have the right to opt out if they choose to do so," Simmonds said in a statement.