The League of Women Voters’ support for Medical Aid in Dying resulted from a lengthy process of studying all sides of the issue. New Yorkers agree; 70% have emphatically declared their support according to public surveys. The New York State Bar Association agrees, the New York State Medical Society agrees, and a significant number of state clergy agree.

The impeccable safety controls in the bill require that the patient be mentally sound and physically competent to self-administer; only patients already assessed by their treating physician to have a terminal illness may request it; their approved application only allows patients to request the medication prospectively, not to receive it immediately.

MAID is not suicide, it grants compassionate relief, which treatment cannot provide. Relief at being recognized and provided some element of autonomy may be the greatest benefit. Medical aid in dying provides peace and comfort to the dying. It can also provide time: for loved ones to gather and for the dying to be surrounded by love and care, not alone with whirring machines as companions.

Ten years of denying this mercy to New Yorkers must come to a close. In a moral universe, compassionate care must take precedence.

Owens is the President of the League of Women Voters of Albany County.
Vastola is the MAID Advocate of the League of Women Voters of Albany County.