Medical Aid in Dying Act delay will prolong suffering

Dear Editor,

I’m encouraged that Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, D-Kingston, supports “the concept” of medical aid in dying, but dismayed that he wants to delay for “the matter [to be] fully studied first by the state DOH [Department of Health] commissioner.”

Medical aid in dying allows an incurable, terminally ill, mentally capable adult with six months or less to live to request a prescription from their doctor that they can decide to self-ingest to die peacefully.

Unfortunately, his proposed study bill is redundant and unnecessary given the body of evidence about medical aid in dying from the last two decades. It will serve only to prolong suffering.

New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act is modeled after the 1994 Oregon Death with Dignity Act. This Oregon law has provided comfort to many dying Oregonians, not just the tiny percentage who have used it (less than 1 percent of annual deaths statewide). Since Oregon, medical aid in dying has been authorized in eight other states, including three neighbors, New Jersey, Vermont, and Maine, as well as Washington, D.C.

Experience and data from these 10 jurisdictions answers every one of Assemblyman Cahill’s study questions.

The Medical Aid in Dying

Act has nearly zero budget implications, overwhelming public support, strong support among New York physicians and appropriate safeguards. It should be a high priority on the Legislature’s “to do list” early in 2021. No additional New Yorkers should have to suffer. Lawmakers have all the facts they need today. Now, they need to pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act. Corinne Carey

Troy, N.Y.