Facts & Resources
Information and arguments the Alliance relies on to oppose assisted suicide legislation in New York and to support stronger end-of-life care.
Hospice Care in New York
New York has historically lagged behind the rest of the country in hospice care use. A 2015 letter published in the Times Union, "New York lags nation in use of hospice care," pointed to this gap as a reason to strengthen palliative options rather than pursue assisted suicide as a solution.
The Alliance points to expanded access to hospice and palliative care as the alternative that should be prioritized for patients facing serious illness.
Arguments Against Assisted Suicide
The Alliance exists to give New Yorkers a clear, well-reasoned voice against proposals that would legalize assisted suicide in the state. Its members believe that no law should ever place the lives of vulnerable people at risk, and that compassion for those facing serious illness should be expressed through care rather than through policies that treat death as a solution. Drawing on research, testimony, and the experience of families and caregivers, the Alliance works to inform the public and lawmakers alike, encouraging thoughtful debate grounded in dignity, protection, and support for every stage of life.
Central to the Alliance's message is the belief that hospice and palliative care should be strengthened and made more widely available. These approaches focus on comfort, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support, allowing seriously ill people to live as fully as possible while receiving care that respects their wishes. When families can access skilled caregivers and coordinated services, many of the fears that drive interest in assisted suicide diminish. The Alliance argues that New York should close gaps in access to these services before considering any change that would end lives rather than improve them.
The Alliance also raises concerns about how assisted suicide laws are written and how they change over time. Provisions that initially appear narrow may be broadened through later amendments, court decisions, or shifting interpretations. Safeguards such as waiting periods, mental health evaluations, and reporting requirements can be difficult to enforce consistently, and oversight may weaken in practice. Once a state accepts the principle that some lives may be ended with medical assistance, the Alliance warns, pressure can quietly grow to extend eligibility to new groups, making it harder to protect those who are most vulnerable.
People with disabilities, older adults, and those living with depression or chronic conditions are often at the center of the Alliance's concerns. These communities frequently encounter a society that undervalues their lives, and legalizing assisted suicide can reinforce the troubling message that some lives are not worth living. The Alliance points to the importance of choice, but also notes that choices made under distress, isolation, or financial strain may not be truly free. Protecting against coercion and ensuring that everyone receives adequate care and support remain essential goals, especially for those who may feel like a burden to others.
The Alliance invites New Yorkers to learn more about the issues, follow legislative developments, and take part in respectful public conversation. Reading personal stories, speaking with caregivers, and discussing end-of-life wishes with family members can help people form thoughtful positions grounded in real experience. Supporters are encouraged to contact their elected representatives, share reliable information, and stand with neighbors who depend on strong protections and better care. By staying informed and engaged, citizens can help shape policies that honor life, safeguard the vulnerable, and reflect the values of compassion and dignity for all.
Commentary cited by the Alliance has raised concerns about the safety and real-world application of assisted suicide laws. A May 2017 piece in The Buffalo News, "Another Voice: Evidence contradicts arguments for assisted suicide," argued that evidence used to support legalization does not hold up to scrutiny.
J.J. Hanson, President of the Patients' Rights Action Fund, wrote in July 2017 that doctors should focus on helping patients live rather than facilitating death, a view the Alliance highlights as central to its position.
Explore the Resources
National Resources
Research, reports, and coalitions from national organizations working against assisted suicide legalization across the country.
In-State Organizations
New York-based groups involved in end-of-life care and the assisted suicide debate, including the Hospice Care Association of New York (hpcanys.org).
Legal Context
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. Agudath Israel of America had filed an amicus curiae brief in April 2017 urging the court to reach that conclusion.
See the Legislation page for more on how court decisions and bills have shaped the debate, and visit News for related coverage.