N.Y. may soon take major step toward legalizing medical aid in dying

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Medical aid in dying may soon take a major step toward legalization in New York.

The source added a vote could happen in the Assembly as soon as next week.

The Medical Aid in Dying Act, which counts Staten Island state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton as its current prime co-sponsor, would allow mentally competent, terminally ill patients over the age of 18 the choice of self-administering prescribed life-ending medication. Only those with medically confirmed terminal illnesses and conditions who have fewer than six months to live would be able to request medical aid in dying. A person wouldn’t qualify solely because of age or disability, and there is no list of qualifying medical conditions. If passed, health care providers who didn’t wish to participate in the process could opt out without fear of retribution.

Scarcella-Spanton, a Democrat who represents the North Shore of Staten Island and part of South Brooklyn, told the Advance/SILive.com on Wednesday the vote would be a “great first step” for the Assembly to take.

She previously told the Advance/SILive.com she was ready to get the measure “over the finish line.”

“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 people like longtime Staten Islander Brian Moffett.

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