It is that time of year: the weather is warmer, the days are longer, and the New York State Legislature is threatening to enact Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS) once again. Their legislative session ends by the second week in June, so the last five or six weeks are always stressful. The Assembly made an unexpected political move and pushed the bill through three committees and a General Assembly vote in one week! They hadn’t even passed the State budget yet.

I have been involved in lobbying against this unconscionable bill since my husband died of a terminal illness ten years ago. This is the furthest I have seen it progress; I keep thinking that one day it will go away, but that day hasn’t come yet. In fact, in the ten years I have been involved, the stories and data surrounding PAS have become more and more disturbing.

Canada passed their euthanasia law nine years ago, and they already lead the world in numbers of people being euthanized. Between 2016 and 2023, 60,000 Canadians have been killed under the law. 15,000 of them in 2023 alone. It is now the fifth highest cause of death in our neighbor to the north. They have far surpassed the Netherlands – the first country to legalize euthanasia in 2001. The Canadian law initially required a terminal diagnosis, but by 2021, they had expanded it to include people with disabilities and non-terminal illnesses, like being wheelchair bound. Now lawmakers are considering expanding it to include mental illness. One NYS Assemblywoman who voted, “No” said that her mother is in a facility in Canada. Her mom fell ill and needed treatment. Instead of offering her treatment to get well, the facility offered her the option to end her life. Her mom adamantly declined. The daughter was very upset.

When laws like this pass and become accepted in society, consciences get twisted and in short time all forms of euthanasia become accepted as a “right.” Our Senate hasn’t voted on it yet. Please help block this bill from being passed in New York State by following your own Catholic conscience and calling our senators and telling them to vote No for the Medical Aid in Dying Act #S138.

Escritura: Read 1 John 3:17-18. What stands out?

Llamamiento a la acción:

Andrea Stewart-Cousins – Majority Leader, 518-455-2585

Gustavo Rivera – Health Committee Chair, 518-455-3395

Pete Harckham – our representative, 518-455-2340