The New York State Senate voted 35-27 to pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act, following a two-hour debate. This bill, which allows terminally ill patients the right to choose assisted dying, was passed by the Assembly in April with a narrow margin. Advocates, including Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, emphasized the importance of personal choice and dignity in end-of-life decisions. The bill now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's review, who has ten days to take action. This legislation marks a significant advancement in the state's healthcare rights for terminally ill individuals.
The historic vote occurred over a month and a half after the Assembly passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act on April 23 by a margin of 81-67, narrowly surpassing the threshold of 75 votes.
I know that this is a deeply personal decision, but it is a decision that every person deserves to make for themselves," said the Democrat who represents the North Shore of Staten Island and part of South Brooklyn.
Since the first day that I began advocating for the MAID Act, I have made it clear that this legislation is about honoring a terminally ill person's choice to make their own end-of-life decisions.
I kept the advocacy of Brian Moffett, Ayla Eilert, and Gina Luongo with me thought the fight to get this passed. I am grateful to my colleagues for their support and look forward to this historic bill getting signed into law.
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