New York's Assisted Suicide Law Sparks Debate as It Takes Effect

New York’s controversial assisted suicide law went into effect on Wednesday, allowing terminally-ill adults to request life-ending medication from their doctors.

The “Medical Aid in Dying Act,” signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in February, had faced blowback from religious institutions, including the Catholic Church, which called it an example of “throwaway culture” that disvalues life. 

“This new law signals our government’s abandonment of its most vulnerable citizens, telling people who are sick or disabled that suicide in their case is not only acceptable, but is encouraged by our elected leaders,” the New York State Catholic Conference railed in a statement.