New York Enacts Strict Medical Aid in Dying Law

New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act takes effect, allowing terminally ill adults with six months to live to request lethal medication from their clinician under stringent safeguards, including multiple patient requests, a residency requirement, and a mental health evaluation; eligible patients must be 18+, have a terminal illness likely to cause death within six months, be of sound mind, and be physically capable of self-administering the medication. The law makes New York the 14th state to legalize medical aid in dying, following a decade-long fight with opposition from the Catholic Church and disability advocates. Health officials issued implementation guidance amid ongoing litigation, including a temporary exemption for Carmelite nuns opting out of participation. Advocates say the option is rarely used but meaningful for some and hope to spur similar legislation in other states.