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Story summary
- New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act took effect on August 5, 2026.
- It permits adults 18+ with a terminal illness and <=6 months to live to obtain lethal medication after verbal and written requests, a five-day wait, and physicians’ approval.
- The state becomes the 14th state to legalize aid in dying after a judge dismissed a disability-rights challenge, exempts four Catholic nun orders by court order, and makes participation voluntary.
