New York's Medical Aid in Dying law takes effect Wednesday, allowing terminally ill adults who meet a specific set of statutory conditions to request a prescription for medication they may choose to self-administer. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the act in February, and it takes effect six months later under a new Article 28-F of the state Public Health Law.
The change affects a narrow group. Eligibility is limited to New York residents aged 18 and older who have a medically confirmed terminal illness that is incurable and irreversible and is expected to cause death within six months, whether or not treatment is provided. A person must also have the capacity to understand the decision and must be physically able to take the medication themselves.
