Assemblywoman Woerner: Legislation Helps Ease Suffering, Expands End-Of-Life Care Options

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The state assembly last week passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act.  

“I co-sponsored and helped pass this bill to potentially mitigate the suffering for New Yorkers afflicted with terminal illnesses,” said Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, in a statement. 

“The Medical Aid in Dying Act would allow terminally ill New Yorkers with a prognosis of six months or less to live to request, through a tightly regulated process, medication they can administer themselves to bring a peaceful death,” Assemblywoman Woerner said. “When medical treatment is unable to reverse the severity of illness, and near-term death becomes certain, some individuals request to accelerate the often-painful process of dying with the aid of prescription medication. Others may take comfort in being given the option to reclaim a semblance of control over how their life will end, such as being surrounded by loved ones at home.”

“By allowing New Yorkers a choice, we are providing those who are near the end of their life’s journey and who are suffering to an unbearable extent, a degree of dignity,” Woerner said, adding that 10 states and the District of Columbia have allowed similar end-of-life care options through legislation, ballot measures, or judicial rulings. 

“I commend those who have tirelessly advocated for this bill, and I’m hopeful that the Senate and the governor will follow suit in signing this meaningful legislation into law.”