WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WKBW) — With the end of the year quickly approaching, Governor Kathy Hochul faces a critical decision on whether to sign or veto the controversial Medical Aid in Dying Act, among other pending legislation.
If signed into law, the act would permit terminally ill adults with six months or less to live to request a prescription for medication to end their lives. The medication must be self-administered, and eligibility requires patients to be mentally capable of making both verbal and written requests. Two physicians must confirm the patient's condition.
During a stop in Williamsville on Friday, the governor acknowledged there are strong opinions on both sides of the issue and said she expects to decide in the coming days.
"It's been on my desk. We're looking at it very closely, and this is a very difficult one," Hochul said. "You know, there's a moral aspect of it, a religious aspect of it as well. There are a lot of people in opposition to this as well. So I have to factor all those considerations, but for me personally, I have to set aside my religious upbringing in this case, as I've had to do in some other tough situations and do what I think is best for the people of the state of New York."
WATCH: Governor Hochul weighs decision on controversial Medical Aid in Dying Act
Earlier this month, Western New Yorkers held a candlelight vigil to oppose the act, calling on the governor to veto it.
WATCH: Western New Yorkers hold candlelight vigil to oppose Medical Aid in Dying Act
Governor Hochul says conversations on the bill have been "ongoing," adding, "This will be resolved very shortly."
On Friday, Illinois became the 12th state to pass a similar law.
Governor Hochul made her comments during a visit to Maple West Elementary School in Williamsville, where she highlighted that schools across New York State have served more than 150 million free meals in 2025 following the implementation of the Governor's Universal School Meals law.
