The New York State Conservative Party has issued a formal statement opposing a bill passed by the State Assembly this week that would allow physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill adults under certain circumstances.
In a release issued Tuesday, State Chair Gerard Kassar sharply criticized the legislation, known as the Medical Aid in Dying Act, calling it “extraordinarily dangerous” and warning that it would lead to what he described as a “bureaucratic nightmare and a moral disaster.” The party said it would be closely watching how state lawmakers vote on the bill as it moves through the Senate.
The legislation, Assembly Bill A136, would permit terminally ill adults in New York with a prognosis of six months or fewer to live to request life-ending medication from a physician. Patients would need to be deemed mentally capable and make two oral requests, followed by a written request, under the supervision of a qualified health care provider. The bill passed the Assembly on April 29 by a 81–67 vote following extensive debate. It has not yet been approved by the State Senate.
The full statement from the New York State Conservative Party can be read below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
[email protected]
April 29, 2025Statement from Chairman Gerard Kassar on Passage of
Assisted Suicide Bill in State Assembly“The New York State Conservative Party unequivocally opposes assisted suicide. It is extraordinarily dangerous for governments to involve themselves in the life-and-death decisions of innocent people, and we are extremely disappointed that the State Assembly didn’t fully think through the bill before passing it on Tuesday. If terminally ill New Yorkers wish to enter hospice, they have every right to. There is no need for Dr. Kevorkian type businesses — aka ‘Doctor Death’ — in New York.
“Canada went down this slippery path, and the results have been chilling—what began as a ‘compassionate option’ has become a bureaucratic nightmare and a moral disaster. New York will regret following suit.
“Let this be a warning: We are watching how every member of the State Assembly and State Senate vote on this bill. No one will hide behind procedure. This isn’t policy. It’s a moral line. Cross it, and voters will know exactly where you stood.”
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The worst thing about it is that they are unlikely to keep it to only people who “request” so called assisted suicide. That’s just the camels nose under the tent. It won’t be long before they decide to “assist” other folks they think are “asking for it” who aren’t actually asking for it.
I agree with the Conservatives and Habibi’s Mom, and disagree with Arthur Torrey. The problem here is that people making these requests are often extremely dependent on doctors and caregivers, made to feel as if they’re nothing but a burden on their families and those taking care of them, and thus easily manipulated into “requesting” “assisted suicide.”
As the press release says, “Canada went down this slippery path, and the results have been chilling—what began as a ‘compassionate option’ has become a bureaucratic nightmare and a moral disaster”.
Indeed, the slippery slope to death panels is well greased.
I agree, but they have it backwards… Why should the state be saying a person CAN’T request aid in dying, as is currently the case?
Who owns you? If one has the right to dispose of property you own, including by destroying it (albeit with restrictions like not endangering others, pollution, etc.) and you own yourself, why can’t you destroy your own property?
They make a good point. Death panels are certain to follow.