New York lawmakers approve bill that allows the terminally ill to end their lives

New York Senate approves bill allowing terminally ill patients to request life-ending drugs, sparking debate and controversy.

Terminally ill New Yorkers would have the legal ability to end their own lives with pharmaceutical drugs under a bill passed Monday (June 9, 2025) in the State Legislature.

Also Read | British lawmakers approve bill that allows the terminally ill to end their lives

The proposal, which now moves to the governor's office, would allow a person with an incurable illness to be prescribed life-ending drugs if he or she requests the medication and gets approval from two physicians. A spokesperson for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she would review the legislation.

The New York Senate gave final approval to the bill Monday night after hours of debate during which supporters said it would let terminally ill people die on their own terms.

“It’s not about hastening death, but ending suffering,” said state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, a Democrat who sponsored the proposal.

Opponents have argued the state should instead improve end-of-life medical care or have objected on religious grounds. “We should not be in the business of state-authorized suicide,” said state Sen. George Borrello, a Republican.

The State Assembly passed the measure in late April.