Finger Lakes Guild Taking Action Against NYS MAID ACT
June 12, 2025
By Jean Baric-Parker, D.BE
The Finger Lakes Guild (FLG) of the Diocese of Rochester, in upstate Western New York has undertaken significant efforts in recent days to oppose the passage of the Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) Act recently approved by both chambers of the New York State (NYS) Legislature. The bill awaits either a veto or approval signature by NYS Governor Kathleen Hochul.
The New York State MAID Act would permit NY physicians to prescribe deadly self-administered medication to persons when:
- MAID is voluntarily requested, both verbally and in writing, and witnessed by two non-relatives who attest to the person’s decision-making capacity
- The person is 18+ years of age, and a NYS resident
- The physician medically determines the person to be terminally ill (≤ 6-month prognosis)
- A second consulting physician concurs that all requirements are met
- Information is appropriately documented in the person’s medical record
Of particular note is that the this Act does not require a waiting period, nor does it require that the death certificate indicate MAID as the cause of death; rather, the underlying terminal illness is to be cited.
The Urgency: In spite of years of intense lobbying efforts by numerous religious and secular organizations, including the New York State Catholic Conference of Bishops, the Finger Lakes Guild of the CMA and countless concerned NY residents, the MAID Act bill now sits on Governor Kathleen Hochul’s desk, awaiting either her signature or her veto, which is believed to occur by June 19th. The Governor’s position on MAID is not known, however, in the past, she has alluded to her Catholic heritage, and has referenced that her mother suffered with ALS.
Guild Action: Following legislative approval of the MAID Act—which passed the New York State Assembly in April and was followed by the state Senate passage on June 9th—the Guild quickly mobilized to present a unified and informed opposition. Thomas Carroll MD, PhD, and President of the FLG, delivered a formal letter to Governor Hochul on June 10th, clearly outlining critical medical, ethical, and societal arguments against the proposed law.
In the letter, Dr. Carroll highlighted foundational principles of medical ethics emphasizing the longstanding role of physicians as healers committed to alleviating suffering without intentionally hastening death. He referenced the American Medical Association’s recent re-affirmation of its Opinion 5.7 on Physician-Assisted Suicide in its Code of Ethics, which states that “Physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would pose serious societal risks.”
In tandem with the formal appeal to the governor, the FLG launched a grassroots campaign to mobilize its members and supporters. A concise yet compelling email was sent out, urging immediate action. It’s simple message emphasized the urgency of the moment: “This is our last opportunity to prevent physician-assisted suicide from becoming legal in New York State.”
Guild members were provided direct links and instructions to contact Governor Hochul, stressing the importance of their individual voices in advocating for veto of the MAID Act bill.
The FLG also engaged proactively with Catholic and secular media outlets in NY to amplify their message. Board members Dr. Carroll and Jean Baric-Parker, D.BE, participated in interviews with regional and state reporters, articulating the Guild’s deep concerns regarding the implications of MAID. Reflecting on the MAID Act, Dr. Carroll noted, “Legalizing assisted suicide fundamentally alters the physician-patient relationship from one of healing to one of suspicion and anxiety. We call on Governor Hochul to defend New York’s tradition of compassionate care by rejecting this legislation.”
Baric-Parker drew attention to the Canadian experience, highlighting how initial safeguards against assisted suicide had steadily eroded. She pointedly warned, “Canada’s experience shows a disturbing progression—from cautious first steps with restrictions, to expanding availability to non-terminal persons, creating a medical and ethical avalanche of problems. This has resulted in MAID deaths now comprising an alarming 1 in 20 Canadian deaths. New York must avoid such a perilous path.”
Next Steps: Moving forward, the FLG will continue to closely monitor this critical issue and engage its membership and the broader community. The efforts of the FLG underscore the vital role that Catholic healthcare professionals play in influencing local healthcare policy, ensuring a culture of care and compassion that respects the sanctity of life at every stage.