Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Medical Aid in Dying Act has now reached Governor Kathy Hochul's office. A representative of the governor tells WBEN that she has not taken a look at the act and has until the end of the year to decide on signing it or not.
Locals in western New York speaking with WBEN are not in favor of the law. One local says that giving terminally ill patients medication to speed up the process of death feels like a form of murder.
"You might live through it, and I've known people who that've looked like it was the end and they found a better doctor." says North Tonawanda's Scott Bedford. "There's always hope, but once you do the deed there is no hope. Where there's life, there's hope."
Malik Bishop, a resident of Tonawanda, feels uncomfortable with the idea, but would support patients if it's what they wanted.
"If it was something where they were terminally ill and this is what they wanted I'll support them," Bishop said. "Especially in their final moments whatever they're more comfortable with I think it's better to honor their wishes."