The Catholic bishops in New York state are warning of a looming “nightmare” there after the state Legislature passed a measure authorizing doctors to participate in assisted suicide.
Newsroom, June 10, 2025, Gaudium Press – The Catholic bishops in New York state are warning of a looming “nightmare” after the state Legislature passed the “Medical Aid in Dying Act,” authorizing doctors to participate in assisted suicide. The measure, passed by Democrats in the state Senate on Monday, allows doctors to prescribe medication to terminally ill individuals for self-administration to bring about death. It applies to those 18 or older with an “incurable and irreversible illness or condition” that is medically confirmed. The legislation awaits the signature of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
New York joins 11 other states—California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington—plus the District of Columbia, in legalizing physician-assisted suicide. The New York State Catholic Conference warned that the measure could lead to an “assisted suicide nightmare” akin to Canada’s, where euthanasia accounts for roughly 5% of deaths and has expanded to include non-consenting individuals with alleged unreported violations.
Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference, called the bill’s passage “a dark day for New York state.” He cautioned that the law could disproportionately harm medically underserved communities, including communities of color, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. Poust criticized the absence of mandatory psychological screenings for depression or mental illness and the lack of a waiting period for those facing a terminal diagnosis. He urged Gov. Hochul to prioritize expanding palliative and hospice care, mental health services, and family caregiver support instead.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, previously labeled the proposal “a disaster waiting to happen” and “a terrible idea” that undermines the principles of medicine. The Catholic conference has consistently opposed the measure, urging voters last year to voice opposition, calling it “another assault on human life” and “dangerous for patients, caregivers, and vulnerable populations.”
Delaware recently became the latest state to legalize assisted suicide, with Gov. Matt Meyer signing a bill last month allowing it for terminally ill adults with a six-month prognosis. Conversely, a similar bill in Illinois stalled after the Legislature adjourned on June 1 without a Senate vote, facing strong opposition from Catholic leaders.
Raju Hasmukh with files sourced from:
-New York State Catholic Conference, Statement on Medical Aid in Dying Act, June 9, 2025.
-Archdiocese of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s Statement on Assisted Suicide Legislation, May 2025.
-Associated Press, “New York Senate Passes Assisted Suicide Bill,” June 10, 2025.
-National Catholic Register, “New York Bishops Warn of Assisted Suicide ‘Nightmare,’” June 10, 2025.
-Delaware News Journal, “Delaware Legalizes Physician-Assisted Suicide,” May 2025.
-Chicago Catholic, “Illinois Assisted Suicide Bill Fails to Advance,” June 2, 2025.
Related Images:
