New York state bishops speak out against Senate passage of Assisted Suicide Bill

The New York State Catholic Conference issued a statement on Monday through Dennis Poust, executive director, on the state Senate passage of a bill to authorized state-sanctioned suicide by a 35-27 vote.

“This is a dark day for New York state. For the first time in its history, New York is on the verge of authorizing doctors to help their patients commit suicide. Make no mistake – this is only the beginning, and the only person standing between New York and the assisted suicide nightmare unfolding in Canada is Governor (Kathy) Hochul.

“The governor has said she will review the legislation when it gets to her desk. We expect that when she does so, she will conclude what 27 of her fellow Democrats in the legislature have – that this bill would be catastrophic for medically underserved communities, including communities of color, as well as for people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations who will be at the mercy of a health care industry that will soon be reeling from federal Medicaid cuts.

“Governor Hochul has acted boldly to address the suicide crisis in our state and has made access to mental health care a hallmark of her tenure as governor, with historic investments the last two years. This bill undermines those priorities. The legislation passed in the Senate and Assembly contains no requirement for a psychological screening for depression or other mental illness, and not even so much as a brief waiting period for people who might be in despair following a terminal diagnosis.

“We fully expect the governor will also hear the concerns of the disabilities community, which has expressed grave concern that they will be coerced toward assisted suicide due to loss of independence or bodily function.

“We reject the false notion that suicide is ever a solution. Instead, we call on New York state to expand palliative and hospice care, mental health services, and family caregiver support. We look forward to continuing to work with the governor on these priorities following her veto of this disastrous bill.”

The NYSCC encourages Governor Hochul to veto the Physician-Assisted Suicide Bill. Bill A136 will allow physicians to prescribe lethal doses of medication for the express purpose of ending a patient’s life. Governor Hochul needs to hear from her constituents if we hope to avoid yet another assault on human life here. Assisted suicide is dangerous for patients, caregivers, and vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and people with disabilities. Suicide is not medical care, the bishops said. 

Concerned citizens should contact Governor Hochul’s office today to voice opposition to the bill.