NYS Bishops ask Senate to vote against assisted suicide bill

After four hours of debate, the New York State Assembly passed an assisted suicide bill for the first time on April 29 by a vote of 81-67.

Referred to as the “Medical Aid in Dying Act,” bill A136/S138 would amend the public health law in relation to a terminally ill patient’s request for and use of medication for medical aid in dying. It’s stated purpose is to provide that a mentally competent, terminally ill patient may request medication to be self-administered for the purpose of hastening the patient’s death provided the requirements set forth in the act are met, and to provide certain protection and immunities to health care providers and other persons, including a physician who prescribes medication in compliance with the provisions of the article to the terminally ill patient to be self-administered by the patient.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

The New York States Bishops Conference responded by thanking those who opposed the bill and called for the Senate to reject the affront to the sanctity of human life.   

“The closeness of the vote indicates that many legislators are looking closely at the inevitable unintended consequences, including the possibility of coercion and pressure for people to end their lives,” said a statement from the New York State Catholic Conference. 

“We call on Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to reject this legislation and not force her members to take such a contentious vote that does not have the full support of her conference. We further call on (Governor Kathy Hocal) to veto the bill should it come to her desk. The points highlighted in the Assembly debate clearly show that state-sanctioned suicide is a disaster-in-waiting for New York,” the statement continued.

Our Lady of Mercy Parish in LeRoy will host Dr. Stan Bukowski, who will share his presentation on the topic of assisted suicide on May 22 at 6:30 p.m. Bukowski is a devout Catholic and third generation physician, who has cared for patients facing the end of their lives.

Our Lady of Mercy is located at 44 Lake St., LeRoy 14482-1046.