Court Ruling

On September 7, 2017, the New York State Court of Appeals ruled in Myers v. Schneiderman that there is no constitutional right to assisted suicide in New York. This decision affirmed that the legislature — not the courts — is the proper venue for this debate.

When you contact your legislator about physician-assisted suicide, you are exercising one of the most powerful tools available to protect vulnerable lives in your community. Elected officials pay close attention to the volume and sincerity of messages they receive from constituents on moral and ethical issues. A single thoughtful letter or phone call can shift a legislator's perspective or reinforce their commitment to opposing harmful legislation. Lawmakers often report that personal stories carry far more weight than form emails or petitions. Your voice matters because you represent a real voter in their district, and your perspective on protecting life at every stage adds a human dimension that statistics and lobbying simply cannot replicate.

Writing an effective letter to your legislator does not require political expertise, only honesty and clarity. Begin by identifying yourself as a constituent and briefly stating your opposition to physician-assisted suicide. Share a personal reason for your stance, whether rooted in faith, experience with a loved one's medical journey, or concern for those with disabilities who may feel pressured to end their lives. Keep your tone respectful and focused on the human impact of such legislation. Avoid vague generalities and instead offer concrete reasons why assisted suicide threatens the doctor-patient relationship and undermines protections for the most vulnerable members of society.

Phone calls to a legislator's office can be surprisingly impactful, especially when bills are under active committee review. When you call, ask to speak with the staff member who handles health policy issues, as they often brief the legislator directly on constituent concerns. State clearly that you are a constituent and that you oppose any legislation that would legalize physician-assisted suicide. Be prepared to leave a brief voicemail if the staff member is unavailable. Your call will be logged and counted, and the volume of calls on each side of an issue is routinely reported to the legislator. A calm, informed voice on the phone can carry real influence.

Beyond individual outreach, consider inviting neighbors and fellow congregation members to join you in contacting their representatives. Legislators take notice when multiple constituents from the same district raise the same concern independently. You can also attend town hall meetings or local forums where your legislator appears in person, offering a respectful opportunity to ask where they stand on assisted-suicide legislation. Building relationships with legislative staff over time creates ongoing channels for advocacy. When you combine personal letters, phone calls, and public engagement, you build a sustained presence that reminds elected officials that their constituents are watching and that protecting life remains a priority.

Pending Proposals

Assisted-suicide bills have been introduced in multiple legislative sessions. Stay informed on the status of current proposals by visiting our New York Legislation page, which tracks bill history and committee assignments.