Finger Lakes Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Cuomo backs letting terminally ill to seek life-ending drugs

File photo
Credit File photo

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)  New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he would sign legislation allowing people with a terminal illness to seek life-ending medication from a physician.

The Democrat said Tuesday on public radio's WAMC that he knows the topic is "difficult" for many people and that his support would depend on the details of the legislation.

But he said it's an issue that elected leaders should address.

Legislation that would require two doctors to sign off on the use of life-ending medication has been introduced for years in Albany but hasn't received a vote.

Seven states and Washington, D.C., already allow people to seek a doctor's help in ending their life. Lawmakers in New Jersey passed a similar measure last month, and Gov. Phil Murphy says he will sign the bill.

Copyright 2019 WXXI News

Associated Press
The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.