New York State Bar Association endorses medical aid in dying bill

January 24, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Musicians perform for hospice patients.
Photos: Kathy Lord

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The New York State Bar Association’s House of Delegates, the association’s governing body, has officially endorsed the Medical Aid in Dying bill, the group announced on Monday.

New York State Bar Association President Richard Lewis announced that the House of Delegates has officially endorsed the Medical Aid in Dying bill that is being considered in Albany.Photo courtesy of NYS Bar Association — New York State Bar Association President Richard Lewis announced that the House of Delegates has officially endorsed the Medical Aid in Dying bill that is being considered in Albany.
Photo courtesy of NYS Bar Association

The endorsement came after thorough deliberations and a report by the association’s Task Force on Medical Aid in Dying.

“The Task Force on Medical Aid in Dying has worked tirelessly on this issue and produced recommendations that safeguard our most vulnerable populations,” said NYSBA President Richard Lewis. “Support for medical aid in dying offers both dignity and compassion for those grappling with what can be a very difficult time in their lives.”

The proposed legislation, which currently boasts 84 co-sponsors, aims to provide terminally ill individuals in New York the option to end their life with prescribed medication. This initiative mirrors laws already in place in Oregon, along with nine other states and the District of Columbia.

The bill is designed with several safeguards, including mandatory evaluations to assess the decision-making capacity of the person, counseling on palliative and end-of-life care, and protective measures against any form of coercion.

Lewis emphasized that supporting medical aid in dying is a step toward ensuring dignity and compassion for those facing challenging moments at the end of their lives.

The task force, under the leadership of Mary Beth Quaranta Morrissey, who is also the chair-elect of the association’s Health Law Section, conducted a comprehensive review encompassing legal, ethical, public health and policy considerations. The task force’s approach was inclusive, ensuring voices from various groups, both in support and opposition of the bill, were heard during hearings.