Editor's Note: The following is a press release from the League of Women Voters of Cortland County.
On Monday, Jan. 22, the Cortland County League of Women Voters is sponsoring a forum to educate our community about end-of-life resources and proposed legislation to expand options for the terminally ill. We will hear perspectives from legal, health care, and disability experts on Death with Dignity, also called medical aid in dying.
The forum will be held Monday, Jan. 22, from 12-1:30 p.m. at the Cortland Community Center, located at 90 Central Ave, Cortland, N.Y.
The panel includes Compassion & Choices New York Campaign Director Corinne Carey, JD; Tompkins Cortland Community College, Adjunct Professor Debra DiBartolo, MSN, FNP; and Access to Independence Program Coordinator Aaron Baier, MPA, CAPS. It will be moderated by the Cortland LWV President, Alison King, PhD.
There is no current provision in New York State law for medical assistance in dying. The panel will help us gain understanding of the issue’s pros and cons.
All Cortland LWV members are welcome to attend the League’s February 5 board meeting and vote on a proposed LWV New York State position on Death with Dignity. That position includes safeguards against abuse of the dying and protections for medical personnel who act in good faith compliance with law.
Local Leagues’ concurrence votes will determine the LWVNYS position, which will guide whether the NYS League supports particular legislation now and in the future.
