The conversation around assisted suicide in New York has taken a sharp turn, and Catholic leaders aren’t staying silent.
With a new bill on the table that would legalize medically assisted suicide — without requiring a waiting period or psychological evaluation — faith leaders, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan, are speaking out.
Cardinal Dolan Calls It a “Cheapening of Life”
Cardinal Timothy Dolan didn’t mince words.
On his June 17 podcast episode “Conversations with Cardinal Dolan,” he called the proposed legislation a clear “cheapening of human life.”
The prominent Catholic voice is among many urging Governor Kathy Hochul, herself a Catholic, to veto the bill.
So far, Gov. Hochul hasn’t publicly shared whether she supports or opposes the legislation. But the pressure is mounting.
A Divisive Vote in the Senate
The bill passed the New York state Senate on June 9 — but not without controversy.
It drew opposition from both sides of the aisle.
Several Democrats broke ranks to vote against the measure, joining all Republican legislators in rejecting it.
Despite that, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, one of the bill’s sponsors, celebrated the passage, saying New York had “made history” and claiming the law would help reduce suffering for terminally ill patients.
A Law Without Safeguards
Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference, took aim at the bill’s lack of built-in protections.
Speaking to EWTN News Nightly on June 13, he didn’t hold back — calling it “the worst assisted suicide bill in the country.”
What makes it so alarming, Poust explained, is that it allows for immediate action.
“You could receive a terminal diagnosis and — in your grief — ask for assisted suicide drugs on the spot,” he said.
With no mandatory waiting period or required counseling, a person could potentially take their life the very next day.
Advocates Say It’s About Choice — Critics Say It’s Too Dangerous
Supporters of the bill argue it gives people control over their final days, particularly those facing painful or debilitating terminal illnesses.
But critics, especially within the Catholic community, warn that the lack of guardrails is dangerous and opens the door to irreversible decisions made during moments of despair.
What’s Next for Governor Hochul?
All eyes are now on Governor Hochul. Will she side with lawmakers who want to broaden end-of-life choices, or with her fellow Catholics who believe this bill goes too far?
Until she makes a decision, the debate continues — both in the public square and within the Church.