Overview
- Gov. Kathy Hochul has floated chapter amendments that would require a videotaped request, a seven-day waiting period, mandatory psychiatric evaluation, residency limits, and a one-year delayed start, according to reporting based on anonymous sources.
- The Medical Aid in Dying Act passed both chambers in June and now awaits the governor’s action, allowing eligible, terminally ill adults to request and self-administer life-ending medication under existing safeguards.
- Advocates say the bill already includes protections and argue the proposed video, delay, and psychiatric requirements would create new barriers for dying patients.
- Opponents, including the New York State Catholic Conference, are urging a veto and held candlelight vigils in Albany and across the state, saying no revisions can make the policy acceptable.
- Any chapter amendments would need subsequent legislative approval, and it remains unclear whether lawmakers will accept the governor’s proposed changes before the deadline.