WELCOME — ABOUT US
Death is hard to think about, and it’s hard to talk about. Death with Dignity–Albany was founded in 2015 to make it easier for people to talk about end-of-life issues, to learn more about their options, and to make plans to ensure that their wishes are honored when the time comes. We believe that everyone deserves to have a dignified, peaceful death.
We are an independent, local, grassroots group whose mission is to provide a forum for education and advocacy. We are based in Albany, NY and serve the Capital Region of New York State and beyond.
In past years, we held in-person meetings to hear from guest speakers with expertise in legal, ethical, social, and legislative aspects of end-of-life matters. These meetings allowed supporters of death with dignity to meet and talk with other supporters and advocates. Beginning in 2020, our meetings have shifted mostly to an online format.
We are part of the New York Alliance for Medical Aid in Dying, whose members worked to enact medical aid in dying legislation in this state.
Medical Aid in Dying
Begins in New York
The medical practice known as medical aid in dying began operating in New York State on August 6, 2026. This allows physicians to prescribe a lethal dose of medication to terminally ill patients, which they may take to alleviate pain and suffering.
The Department of Health has issued information, regulations, and forms for implementation of the practice. These are publicly available on a department webpage HERE.
New York is now one of 14 jurisdictions (13 states, plus Washington DC) where medical aid in dying is operating.