Dolan urges NY lawmakers against legalizing physician-assisted suicide

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York has called on state lawmakers to reject a bill that would legalize physician-assisted suicide. The New York Assembly passed the bill on April 29, which would allow terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to request medication from a physician to hasten their death. This legislation is opposed by the state's Catholic bishops.

In an article for The Wall Street Journal dated May 29, Cardinal Dolan commended state officials for their efforts in preventing suicide but criticized the physician-assisted suicide bill as contradictory to these efforts. "Which is why I am more than puzzled, I am stunned, when I read that New York lawmakers are on the verge of legalizing suicide — not by leaping from a bridge but via a poison cocktail easily provided by physicians and pharmacists," he wrote.

Cardinal Dolan recounted an incident involving a man threatening to jump off the George Washington Bridge during rush hour, which prompted people to stop and pray for his safety. He expressed disbelief at what he sees as inconsistent responses from the government regarding life preservation.

Supporters of physician-assisted suicide argue it protects individual autonomy in suffering individuals' final days. However, Cardinal Dolan contends that the bill lacks adequate safeguards and offers too broad a definition of "terminal" illness. He cited concerns over diabetics potentially being classified as terminal if they cease insulin use and noted that depression, one of grief's stages, does not require psychological screening under this legislation.

He also mentioned opposition from disability rights groups alongside religious organizations due to fears that poor communities could be targeted and unconsumed drugs might be sold illegally.

Despite acknowledging bleak prospects for defeating the bill, Cardinal Dolan drew parallels with first responders who prevented tragedy on the bridge and expressed hope that state senators or Governor Kathleen Hochul will act to protect human life: "Will state senators or Ms. Hochul step up to protect precious human life? That is my prayer."