|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Michele Sterlace-Accorsi,
(716) 864 1454, info@fclny.org
Rochester, NY, June 10, 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. It’s up to the Governor now.
"We are deeply disappointed that the senate passed MAID, and urge Governor Hochul to reject legalizing assisted suicide by refusing to sign the bill into law," 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 Governor Hochul to please stand strong, and stay true to her word to keep fighting to end the violence of suicide, by vetoing 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?” states Marie Blair, FCLNY supporter. “ How could Governor Hochul possibly sign into law a bill that normalizes suicide, threatens to increase suicide rates, and thwarts suicide prevention efforts?” she asks.
XXX
| 
