New York Alliance Against Assisted Suicide PO Box 7291, Albany, NY 12224

Join the Fight

New Yorkers who want to protect vulnerable patients and expand access to quality palliative and hospice care have several ways to get involved in this effort.

A family sitting close together near a bright window, calm and supportive in soft daylight

Ways to Get Involved

Contact Lawmakers

Reach out directly to your state representatives about assisted suicide legislation using the tools on our Legislators page.

Stay Informed

Follow coverage of court rulings, bills, and commentary from advocates and medical professionals on our News page.

Spread the Word

Share facts and resources about hospice and palliative care alternatives with family, friends, and community members.

Engage with Lawmakers

The movement to protect vulnerable New Yorkers from the dangers of assisted suicide continues to gain momentum across the state. Citizens from all walks of life are recognizing that legalizing assisted suicide puts pressure on the elderly, disabled, and chronically ill to end their lives prematurely. These individuals may feel they are a burden to their families or society, especially when facing expensive medical care. By joining together, concerned New Yorkers can ensure that every life is valued and protected. The fight is about preserving the fundamental principle that society should offer care and compassion, not a hastened death, to those who are suffering.

Quality palliative and hospice care offers a compassionate alternative that addresses the whole person. Rather than ending a life, these forms of care focus on managing pain, providing emotional support, and improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. Many New Yorkers are unaware of the comprehensive options available to them through palliative medicine. Expanding access to these services should be a priority for lawmakers and healthcare providers alike. By investing in palliative care infrastructure and training, the state can ensure that no patient feels that assisted suicide is their only option for relief from suffering.

Contacting elected representatives remains one of the most effective ways to influence assisted suicide legislation in New York. Lawmakers need to hear from constituents who understand the real-world consequences of such laws. Personal stories from families, healthcare workers, and patients carry tremendous weight in legislative debates. When citizens take the time to share their concerns, they help legislators see beyond abstract arguments to the human impact of their votes. Regular communication with state representatives ensures that the voices of those who value life-affirming alternatives are heard clearly in the halls of government.

Staying informed about developments in assisted suicide policy is essential for effective advocacy. Court rulings, proposed bills, and statements from medical organizations shape the landscape of this debate. Following news coverage and commentary from trusted sources allows supporters to respond quickly to emerging threats and opportunities. Knowledgeable advocates can correct misinformation and present accurate information about the risks of assisted suicide laws. An informed public is better equipped to engage in meaningful conversations with neighbors, community leaders, and policymakers about why New York should reject assisted suicide and embrace better care options.

Grassroots efforts to spread accurate information about assisted suicide and its alternatives make a significant difference in community attitudes. Conversations around dinner tables, in places of worship, and at community centers help shape public opinion over time. Sharing personal experiences with hospice care or explaining the dangers that assisted suicide poses to vulnerable populations can change hearts and minds. Every New Yorker has a role to play in building a culture that supports life at every stage. By speaking up and sharing resources, ordinary citizens become powerful advocates for a more compassionate approach to end-of-life care.

Legislative debate over physician-assisted suicide has continued in New York, including proposals considered by the state legislature and the New York State Court of Appeals decision in Myers v. Schneiderman on September 7, 2017, which found no constitutional right to assisted suicide. Supporters can use our Legislators page to find contact information and guidance for raising concerns with elected officials.

Grassroots Resources

Our Facts page gathers data on hospice care utilization, arguments regarding the risks of assisted suicide, and links to national and New York-based organizations involved in end-of-life care advocacy. These materials can support local conversations and outreach.

  • Review facts and arguments to share with your community.
  • Connect with national and in-state organizations working on these issues.
  • Keep up with legislative and legal developments affecting New York.