
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that this was the case reached an agreement with the legislature of this state to pursue the approval of a law making this possible assisted suicide for terminally ill patients and explained that he relies on the principles of “compassion and grace” to support the project.
Hochul, a Democrat, explained her position in a recent opinion column in the Times Union newspaper, in which she noted her differences with the position of the local church, which opposes the initiative.
According to the New York press, the controversial project, which could be regulated in the first days of January, will only apply to terminal patients whose life expectancy is less than six months.
This agreement, approved by Hochul, adds specific requirements compared to the original draft to achieve approval of assisted euthanasia.
When the rule is finalized next month, patients will be legally able to request the prescription medication service to complete their suicide.
In this sense, Governor Hochul said she had “come to a conclusion” in favor of approving the project, noting: “I believe in compassion and mercy, virtues that include allowing those who suffer unimaginable pain to end their lives with them.” a certain level of comfort.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Hicks of New York sharply questioned the initiative, saying the governor’s explicit support meant “she is failing her most vulnerable citizens by not only telling the sick and disabled that suicide is acceptable, but also.” promotes it”.
The new regulation requires the terminally ill patient to submit their request in writing in front of two witnesses and their doctor. He will also obtain written confirmation from a coroner that the patient has less than six months to live and from a psychologist certifying his mental capacity.
Given the importance of this decision, the Governor requested that a paragraph be added to the project allowing a period of five additional days for any changes requested by the applicant after the application has been legalized.
With information from the Ansa agency.