Three similar, but not identical bills have been introduced in the Legislature -- A.2129 (Rosenthal), A.5261 (Paulin),
and S.3685 (Savino). Each of these bill is deeply flawed, both in concept
and in execution. The New York State Catholic Conference memo of
opposition for A.2129 is here: http://www.nyscatholic.org/2015/02/s-3685-savino-a-2129-rosenthal-a-5261-paulin-in-relation-to-legalizing-physician-assisted-suicide/.
In addition to criticizing that specific bill, the memo contains the more
general arguments against legalizing assisted suicide. A pdf copy is
attached.
Here is an action alert
from the Catholic Action Network so people can communicate opposition to their
elected representatives: http://www.nyscatholic.org/nys-catholic-conference-action-center/.
It's
important to know that we are not alone in opposing this legislation. Our
allies in the Evangelical community are standing with us, as are Agudath Israel
(the largest organization representing the Orthodox Jewish community), the New
York Medical Society (which represents doctors statewide), and "Not Dead
Yet" (a leading disability-rights group).
There has been a good deal of attention to this in the
media. Here is a very good interview by Cardinal Dolan: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/timothy-cardinal-dolan-fight-bill-assisted-suicide-article-1.2107898.
Here is a
recent op ed by Senator Savino in favor of her bill: http://www.silive.com/opinion/columns/index.ssf/2015/02/give_fatally_ill_patients_the.html#incart_river.
And here is an excellent response to Senator Savino’s bill from a lawyer/former
Family Court Judge: http://www.silive.com/opinion/danielleddy/index.ssf/2015/02/sen_savinos_end-of-life_bill_i.html.
We can't tell yet if these bills will move to the floor of the
Legislature this session. But the time is ripe for public education,
starting with our churches. We will be sending out more resources soon,
and will be posting them on our website: http://www.archny.org/assisted-suicide.
