The U.S. state of New York has legalized medical aid in dying for terminally ill individuals, reports Politico.
The Medical Aid in Dying Act went into effect this Wednesday and establishes that New Yorkers who have no more than six months to live and who meet a series of strict requirements can now access lethal medication.
You may be interested in: Noelia Castillo’s mother asks to investigate the violations she suffered before her euthanasia
The signing of the law by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul made New York the fourteenth state that, along with the District of Columbia, legalizes medical aid in dying in the United States.
The law passed by New York is one of the strictest in the country, as it includes requirements such as permanent residency in the state and a mental health evaluation. To be able to end their life through this system, the person must be at least 18 years old, suffer from a medically confirmed terminal illness that will likely cause their death within half a year, be in full use of their mental faculties, and be physically capable of self-administering the lethal medication.
Voluntary participation
Following the signing of the law by Hochul, the state Department of Health began developing a framework for its implementation. Last month, health authorities already introduced guidelines on how to request and administer lethal medications. The governor’s spokesperson, Nicolette Simmonds, stated that the law includes the right of religious institutions not to be required to assist terminally ill patients in ending their lives.
“While we cannot comment on any pending litigation, under this landmark legislation participation is entirely voluntary, and religious centers have the right to opt out if they so choose,” Simmonds said in a statement.
