Assemblyman Daniel J. Norber (R,C-Great Neck) voted against legislation in the New York State Assembly on Wednesday that would amend the Medical Aid in Dying Act to allow physicians to prescribe life-ending medication to terminally ill patients.

The chapter amendment would permit mentally competent and terminally ill New Yorkers with a prognosis of six months or less to live to self-administer medication prescribed for the purpose of ending their lives, pending action by the governor.

The measure has drawn opposition from several advocacy organizations, including the New York State Catholic Conference and New York Families Action. Both groups have raised concerns that the amendment fails to adequately protect vulnerable populations and could lead to an expansion of state-sanctioned assisted suicide.

Assemblyman Norber spoke in opposition to the measure on the Assembly floor, citing concerns about the long-term ethical and societal implications of the proposal.

“The government should be focused on expanding access to quality end-of-life care, pain management and palliative support,” Norber said. “It should not create a framework that risks eroding our respect for human life at its most vulnerable moment. I have profound respect for the dignity of every New Yorker facing the end of life. This amendment moves us down a path with serious and irreversible consequences for vulnerable patients and their families.”

Assemblyman Norber emphasized that while compassion for those facing terminal illness is essential, the state must prioritize improving care, resources and support systems rather than advancing policies that fundamentally alter the role of medical professionals.