ADVOCACY
This section is prioritized and updated according to the needs of the campaign.
Current Activities
The Campaign for Medical Aid in Dying is in high gear following the opening of the Legislature on January 8.
In the Assembly, Amy Paulin continues as the sponsor of the bill for the Medical Aid in Dying Act. In the Senate, Brad Holyman-Sigal continues as the sponsor. A reprint of the 2025–2026 bills (A136 / S138) is available in our library HERE.
Come to the Capitol
The Capitol complex includes the Capitol itself and the Legislative Office Building (LOB), which are connected underground at the Concourse level within a security perimeter. Maps of the complex, both underground and ground-level, are available from the state HERE.
The most common meeting place for our gatherings is in the LOB on the first floor, at the end nearest the Concourse. There is a vending machine area with seating, and that is where we meet. (Near the vending machine area is “The Well Wall”, where various groups have displays.)
If you park in the Vistors lot under the Plaza, you can enter the Capitol complex through a security check at the north end of Concourse. This can be quite busy, especially on Tuesdays. Come early, or try to enter through the Capitol or the State-Street entrance to the LOB — these are good entrances for people parking elsewhere or coming by bus.
The distinctive Capitol building is a National Historic Landmark. Free guided tours are available Monday–Friday at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Tours begin at the information desk in the lobby at the State Street entrance; no reservations are required for individuals or groups smaller than 10.
Upcoming events are listed below. It is important to sign up or register for events so that you will receive more information, including updates, and also so that the campaign can know who is coming.
- Tuesday, January 28. A public forum, “Freedom + Bodily Autonomy at Life’s End: A Discussion About Medical Aid in Dying” is being organized by City & State (a political magazine) and Compassion & Choices, at the Cornerstone, 9:30–11:30 AM. Information about the rest of the day’s activities for advocates will be provided at the forum. Register HERE with City & State to get a free ticket to attend the forum.
- [The Cornerstone, a restaurant/venue, sits on the Plaza between the Egg and Corning Tower. In the winter, enter through the Concourse level. A long hallway between the Food Court and the State Police office leads to an elevator up to the Cornerstone. See map HERE.]
- Tuesday, February 4. A regular Tuesday Lobby Day. Typically we make our presence known in the Capitol and the Legislative Office Building, trying to engage with legislators. Sign up with C&C HERE.
- Tuesday, February 11. A regular Tuesday Lobby Day. Sign up with C&C HERE.
- Tuesday, February 18. No activity at the Capitol this week, with the Legislature in recess.
Links to individual sign-up pages for the full schedule of Spring 2025 Lobby Days with C&C are available HERE. (Note: the legislature will not be in session during the weeks of February 17, April 14, and April 21. The last scheduled day of the session is June 12.)
Resources for Advocates
Useful resources for advocating enactment of the Medical Aid in Dying Act in New York are gathered on a separate webpage:
New York Alliance for Medical Aid in Dying
The New York Alliance for Medical Aid in Dying urges lawmakers to pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act. It is time for legislators to prioritize terminally ill patients and their families who have waited too long for help to end their suffering. Passing Medical Aid in Dying is an essential step in protecting patient rights, bodily autonomy, and end-of-life options for all New Yorkers.
The alliance draws upon the individual efforts and supporters of Compassion & Choices, Death with Dignity, The Completed Life Initiative, End of Life Choices New York and Death with Dignity–Albany, working together in harmony to authorize medical aid in dying in New York State.