DEATH WITH DIGNITY WINS IN THE NEW YORK SENATE!

Tuesday 19th June – the New York State Senate passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act (S138)!

(DWD Team rallying at the New York Capitol: Emma Granquist, Digital Campaign Manager / Lisa Vigil Schattinger, Board President / Peg Sandeen, CEO / Elia Lawatsch, Managing Director)

The bill now heads to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk, marking the culmination of a decade-long effort to bring peaceful end-of-life options to New Yorkers.

From the very first legislative hearing in 2018, opened with testimony from our CEO Peg Sandeen, we’ve been fighting from day one. Thanks to the steadfast leadership of Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Amy Paulin, and the relentless dedication of advocates across the state, this long-awaited moment is finally here!  

“While the path to this bill has been long, winding and often full of roadblocks, we nevertheless persisted. Never once did we lose faith in the people of New York to advocate for this legislation. Never once did we lose faith in our ability to get this bill to the Governor’s desk,” said Peg Sandeen. “We are exceedingly pleased with the vote today to move this bill forward.”

Peg also acknowledged the crucial work of our lobbying partners and coalition allies: “The work of so many committed advocates and organizations has brought this bill to Governor Hochul’s desk, and we are very hopeful it will receive her signature.”