When lawmakers do return to Albany, proponents of a bill authorizing medically assisted suicide for terminally ill patients plan to be ready.
A petition signed by 7,500 New Yorkers supporting the measure was submitted to Cuomo on Thursday. The signatures were collected during the New York State Fair this summer.
The proposal now before lawmakers would allow someone with a terminal illness to request life-ending medication from a physician. Two physicians would have to certify the patient has a terminal condition and is mentally competent to make the decision. It did not receive a vote last session.
Colorado, Washington, Vermont, California, Oregon and Washington, D.C., have laws allowing people to seek medical help in ending their lives.