Albany, NY — Agudath Israel of America condemned the New York State Senate on Monday following its narrow 35-27 vote to approve the controversial Medical Aid in Dying Act (S.138), which would legalize physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. The measure, already passed by the Assembly in April, now heads to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk for final approval.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
The bill permits physicians to prescribe lethal medication to mentally capable adults diagnosed by two doctors as having less than six months to live. While supporters call the bill a compassionate option for the suffering, Agudath Israel says it sends a chilling message.
“Today is a dark day in New York,” the Orthodox Jewish organization said in a strongly worded statement. “Our tradition teaches that every human life is sacred, and every moment of life has infinite value. Legalizing physician-assisted suicide erodes that value and tells the vulnerable among us that their lives don’t matter.”
Agudath Israel has played a leading role for over a decade in opposing the legislation, particularly through its end-of-life advocacy division, Chayim Aruchim. The group has repeatedly warned lawmakers about the ethical, medical, and emotional dangers the bill poses — from depression and financial pressure influencing patients’ decisions to the risk of medical misdiagnoses.
“Since time immemorial, civilized societies have drawn a hard line on the issue of suicide,” said Rabbi David Zwiebel, the group’s executive vice president. “Allowing physicians — whose calling is to heal — to serve as active accomplices in bringing about death is a profound moral and practical misstep.”
Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Agudath Israel’s Director of New York Government Relations, added that the organization had testified, lobbied, and mobilized grassroots action in an effort to stop the bill’s passage.
“We are deeply disappointed by today’s vote and strongly urge Governor Hochul to veto this bill,” said Rabbi Silber.
With Governor Hochul expected to weigh the measure in the coming weeks, Agudath Israel says it will continue fighting to protect the dignity of the terminally ill and uphold New York’s historic commitment to the sanctity of life.
I don’t get it agudah supports Democrats always and then is surprised when they implement democrat policies
Historically, a voluntary very often becomes mandatory. And if the government controls medicine, which it already does 80% through medicaid and numerous regulations, medical treatments will be denied and “assisted suicide”, aka murder of those patients deemed undesirable by the government, will become a norm. That’s what the Democratic Party is about — the end of civilization, destruction of humanity and rebellion against G-d.
By today’s legislative standards 35-27 is not a narrow victory. It’s quite a comfortable margin. Unfortunately the values dominating in liberal circles today are anti life, both at the beginning and at the end of life.
The democrats never valued life. The democrat party worships death. They encourage black and Hispanic girls to murder their babies. Kathy Hochul will even have the taxpayers fund their killing.
Why the surprise? I’m actually quite surprised that it took them this long.. Democrats have no moral compass. You all know that Agudah but yet you keep the endorsements coming. It’s part of the package deal you get with all that funding. Abortion, gay marriage, indoctrinating children with lgbtq education in public schools etc. at least you’re in good company with the chasidishe oilem. What a shanda!!
I used to think that this was great
Till my Rabbi said it’s murder
For Goyim as well
Really thought it would be beautiful
Blessing all my kids
Telling them how much i love them
Not all great thoughts turn out kosher
That’s our greatness
No is no
Goyim don’t seem to have bounds any longer
Too bad
Wake up, Jewish influence gone. USA a has-been.
Thank you satmar for allowing kiryas Joel’s state senator sloufis to vote for this bill. As a reward let’s ban your shechita
And what about the suicide assistance of the Aguda representatives in the Keneset who want to kill the current government ??????