New York Legalizes Assisted Suicide for Terminally Ill

Governor Hochul signs bill making New York the 13th state to allow physician-assisted death

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Democrat New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed a bill legalizing assisted suicide for terminally ill New Yorkers with less than six months to live. The law, which will go into effect in six months, makes New York the 13th state plus Washington, D.C. to legalize physician-assisted suicide.

Why it matters

The legalization of assisted suicide is a highly controversial and divisive issue, with proponents arguing it provides dignity and compassion for the terminally ill, while opponents warn it devalues human life and puts vulnerable populations at risk of coercion. This law signals a major shift in New York's stance on end-of-life choices.

The details

The 'Medical Aid in Dying' bill includes several safeguards, such as a mandatory 5-day waiting period, a mental health evaluation, and a prohibition on anyone who may financially benefit from the patient's death from serving as a witness. The law also limits availability to New York residents and allows religiously-oriented hospice providers to opt out.

  • The bill was first sent to Gov. Hochul's desk in June 2025.
  • Hochul signed the bill on February 9, 2026.
  • The law will go into effect in six months to allow for regulations to be put in place.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Democratic governor of New York who signed the assisted suicide bill into law.

Amy Paulin

The Democratic New York Assemblymember who sponsored the 'Medical Aid in Dying' legislation.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan

The Catholic cardinal who condemned the law as abandoning the state's 'most vulnerable citizens' and promoting a 'Culture of Death'.

Carol Tobias

The president of the National Right to Life organization, who criticized the law for redefining suicide as medical treatment.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our state will always stand firm in safeguarding New Yorkers' freedoms and right to bodily autonomy, which includes the right for the terminally ill to peacefully and comfortably end their lives with dignity and compassion.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York (Breitbart)

“Tragically, this new law will seriously undermine all of the anti-suicide and mental health care investments Governor Hochul has made through her tenure. How can any society have credibility to tell young people or people with depression that suicide is never the answer, while at the same time telling elderly and sick people that it is a compassionate choice to be celebrated?”

— Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Catholic Cardinal (Breitbart)

“The Medical Aid in Dying Act gives New Yorkers the dignity they deserve at the most vulnerable moment in their lives. This legislation is about love, autonomy, and easing needless suffering.”

— Amy Paulin, New York Assemblymember (Breitbart)

“New York has chosen to redefine suicide as a medical treatment, sending a chilling message to people who are sick, disabled, or struggling that their lives are less worth protecting.”

— Carol Tobias, President, National Right to Life (Breitbart)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The legalization of assisted suicide in New York is a divisive and complex issue, with proponents arguing it provides dignity and compassion, while opponents warn it devalues human life and puts vulnerable populations at risk. This law will likely face ongoing legal and ethical challenges as the state navigates the implementation of this new end-of-life option.