New York State Conservative Party Calls Pending Assisted Suicide Measure “Grave and Dangerous”

The Conservative Party of New York State has denounced pending legislation expected to be signed next year by Gov. Kathy Hochul that would legalize assisted suicide, calling it a “grave and dangerous mistake” and opposing the measure “in the strongest possible terms.”

In a December 17 statement on behalf of the party, Chair Gerard Kassar said the legislation would fundamentally alter how the state handles end-of-life decisions and could place vulnerable individuals at risk. He cautioned that the measure undermines moral and ethical principles consistent with the sanctity of life and sets New York down “a perilous path where the value of human life is diminished by state sanction.”

The statement follows an announcement from Hochul’s office earlier this week that she intends to sign the legislation, which would allow terminally ill patients meeting specific criteria to request and receive medication to end their lives. Hochul called the decision “incredibly difficult,” but said the measure became more palatable following a series of amendments adopted by the Legislature, including the addition of a mandatory waiting period between prescription and use, required mental health evaluations, safeguards limiting who may witness or interpret patient requests, and provisions allowing certain religiously affiliated hospice providers to opt out of participation.

In his remarks, Kassar expressed concern that legalizing assisted suicide could lead to coercion or pressure on individuals who may already feel their lives are burdensome. “Life, in our belief, is an inviolable gift that must be fiercely protected,” he said. “By endorsing legislation that opens the door to assisted suicide, the Governor is leading New York down a slippery slope that threatens our most vulnerable citizens.”

He added the Conservative Party regards a compassionate society as one that provides care, support, and comfort over “an easy exit,” treating this as a moral obligation owed to every life, “regardless of age, illness, or circumstance.” The party called on New Yorkers to join it in opposing the measure and instead advocate for the defense of “the fundamental right to life.”