January 23, 2020: The 2020 campaign to pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act in New York opened today with a press conference at the state Capitol led by Compassion & Choices New York Campaign Director Corinne Carey.
Also speaking at the news conference in the New York State Capitol were the lead sponsors of the bill (A.2694/S.3947), Senator Diane Savino (D-Staten Island) and Assemblymember Amy Paulin (D-Westchester), as well as other legislators. They were joined by Kim Callinan, president of Compassion & Choices, who revealed the first of the 50 Reasons to “Pass Medical Aid in Dying NOW” — each reason being a powerful personal story to be revealed on successive legislative session days between now and June 2.
The first story was presented by New York City resident Florrie Burke. Other New Yorkers (including Kyra Te Paske and Betty Rollin) and Dan Diaz (widower of Brittany Maynard, whose move to Oregon in 2014 to get medical aid in dying attracted national attention) also gave their personal testimony. Supporters from around the state, including a strong contingent from Death with Dignity–Albany, were a very visible presence.
As in the past, the campaign will include visits by volunteer supporters to legislators throughout the Spring, and Death with Dignity–Albany members will be actively participating.
A full account of the news conference is available at compassionandchoices.org/news/intensified-campaign-to-pass-medical-aid-in-dying-now-unveils-1st-of-50-compelling-reasons-aimed-at-2020-passage/