Feminists Urge the NYS Legislature to Bury MAID and for Governor Hochul to Continue Fighting Against the Violence of Suicide.

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Jul 28
2 min read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact: Michele Sterlace-Accorsi,

Rochester, NY, July 15, 2025 – Following in the footsteps of the Democratic controlled New York State Assembly, and at the bitter end of NY’s 2025 legislative session, assisted suicide or Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) passed in the NYS Senate, as many folks are already aware.

The Medical Aid in Dying Act, S138, however, has still not been delivered to NY's Governor for signature. If Governor Hochul fails to sign it, once delivered to her, MAID will die, or undergo a 'pocket veto' according to Article IV, Section 7 of the New York State Constitution.

"We are deeply disappointed that the senate passed MAID, and ask the NYS legislature to refrain from sending the bill to Governor Hochul for signature. But if they do, we urge our Governor to reject legalizing assisted suicide by refusing to sign the MAID bill," states Cecelia Lester, President of Feminists Choosing Life of New York (FCLNY), a statewide human rights organization that promotes non-violence and the consistent life ethic.

“In 2024, Governor Hochul ensured millions of dollars for suicide prevention efforts in NY," says Michele Sterlace-Accorsi, FCLNY’s executive director; “On behalf of our brothers and sisters at risk of suicide, we’re asking the NYS legislature to bury MAID, and for the Governor to stand strong and true to her word to keep fighting to end the violence of suicide, including assisted suicide or MAID."

Sterlace-Accorsi claims,

Empirical evidence demonstrates that where assisted suicide is legalized, total suicide rates significantly increase, including non-assisted suicide rates in some cases. No study has identified a reduction in non-assisted suicide rates where MAID is legal. Data outlined by the Centre for Economic Policy Research show that assisted suicide laws increase total suicide rates by 18% overall and by 40% for women, with non-assisted suicide rates rising by 6% overall and 13% for women.

She goes on to state,

Recent statistical analysis on suicide in the United States shows rates of suicide have reached record high levels not seen “since 1941.” NY’s suicide rate has increased by 34.9% over the past 20 years. Suicide in NY is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 25-34, and the 3rd leading cause of death for ages 10-24, where suicide rates have increased by 62% nationwide from 2007-2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further, research released during the summer of 2024 by the Yale School of Medicine found that suicide is dramatically rising in preteens as young as 8 years old, with an 8.2% annual increase from 2008 to 2022.”

“As thoughtful, kind people how can we do anything but work to decrease rates of suicide?” She adds. “How could Governor Hochul possibly sign into law a bill that normalizes suicide, threatens to increase suicide rates, disproportionately impacts women, and thwarts suicide prevention efforts?”