Below find a recent essay by the volunteer leaders of the Lower Hudson Valley campaign to pass the Medical Aid-in-Dying Act in New York, eight long years after they first started advocating for this humane law. If you are a supporter of the law, we ask that you please contact your state representatives to let them know.
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Download the pdf or read online below, and please share with others.
Join us for our first Lobby Day and press conference of 2024 on Tuesday, January 16th @ 11 am! This event will be in the Legislative Office Building in Albany. This is where we meet with our lawmakers to ask them to both become a supporter and then a voter for this bill, as well as answer any of their questions. Stay tuned for travel and gathering details, and please begin thinking about how you can help recruit others to join us. We need to do our big push as early in the legislative session as we can this year, before budget issues swamp everything else.
If you have any questions about this very important gathering, write to Francesca Triest at ftriest@compassionandchoices.org.
When My Time Comes, a PBS documentary hosted by Diane Rehm
Spurred on by the death of her husband, Diane Rehm crosses the country to take an in-depth look at medical aid in dying. She speaks to people on all sides of the issue, uncovering the pros and cons, and the facts and the myths surrounding this controversial practice that is now legal in nine states and the District of Columbia.
TRAILER: https://player.pbs.org/viralplayer/3052896993/
This beautifully-made overview of “why medical-aid-in dying NOW” is a must-watch for any supporter of the proposed Medical Aid in Dying Act in New York. At just under one hour, it’s easy to share with friends and family in order to raise awareness and start an illuminating discussion.
LINK TO PBS Streaming: https://www.pbs.org/video/when-my-time-comes/
If you prefer to read than watch, Diane also tells her story and others’ in her new book When My Time Comes.
https://amzn.to/3aPoZ4z
On February 16th at 11:30 AM we are holding a very special event: A Day of Remembering and Honoring Love.
On the 16th you will hear stories of people who have lost the love of their life. We’ll be hearing from special guest Rev. Charles McNeill, Pastor of the Unity Baptist Church in Northeast Washington D.C., as well as President of the National Capital Baptist Convention for the DMV region. Also joining us is Dan Diaz, the husband of the late Brittany Maynard who used Oregon’s medical aid in dying law, as well as other storytellers and potentially one or two new lawmakers!
Although this is sure to be a tear-jerker of an event, we hope you will join us to support your fellow advocates and feel inspired to take action in their honor. We need everyone’s support for thios vital bill. Please spread the word!
WHAT: A Day of Remembering and Honoring Love
WHEN: February 16, 11:30 AM
HOW: Virtual, Zoom or Facebook Live
Please RSVP here for more info.
Monday, January 28 will be the official Compassion & Choices | New York campaign launch for 2019, and we’ll kick it off with a big press conference at 12 noon in the state capitol.
The day will feature the Medical Aid in Dying bill re-introduction, office visits, and a very important announcement. The press conference will feature a number of lawmakers, doctors, representatives from supportive statewide organizations, and supporters with stories to share. We need as many of you from across the state to join us for this most important kick-off event with signs, yellow t-shirts, and your voices.
If you think you’d like to carpool to Albany on the 28th or would like more info, please contact acavanaugh@compassionandchoices.org.
Lower Hudson Valley Action Team 