Could medical aid in dying be legalized in New York? Advocates say this could be the year

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — For advocates of the Medical Aid in Dying Act, a fresh legislative session represents renewed hope the measure will finally pass in New York state.

The M.A.i.D Act’s prime co-sponsor, Staten Island state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, is ready to get it “over the finish line” once and for all.

“My hope is that the stories of those who suffered brutally at the end of their lives and advocated for M.A.i.D. to pass to the very end will open the eyes of those who are still on the fence about this important legislation,” said Scarcella-Spanton, referring to stories like that of longtime Staten Islander Brian Moffett.

“Every year the advocates do an amazing job of sharing personal stories with my colleagues in Albany and I know this year they will continue,” said Scarcella-Spanton, whose predecessor Sen. Diane Savino introduced the original bill 10 years ago. “Medical Aid in Dying is simply a compassionate choice for one to have available to them when their disease is terminal and they can still make the decision on their own.

“It is the right thing to do and my hope is that 2025 is the year we can get it done.”

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