New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A01582

Introduced
1/10/25  
Refer
1/10/25  

Caption

Provides that substituted consent by a guardian, health care proxy, or other third party shall not authorize a procedure resulting in sterilization in the absence of the informed consent of the person being sterilized.

Summary

Bill A01582 amends the public health law to prohibit any substituted consent for sterilization procedures. It mandates that a health care provider cannot perform sterilization without the informed consent of the individual undergoing the procedure. The bill allows for supported decision-making agreements for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to receive assistance in understanding their options without relinquishing their decision-making authority. It also outlines the obligations of health care providers to ensure that individuals with disabilities are adequately informed and supported in their decisions regarding sterilization.

Impact

The bill will significantly impact the legal framework surrounding informed consent for sterilization procedures in New York. It reinforces the necessity of direct consent from individuals, particularly those with disabilities, and prohibits third-party consent in these cases. This change aims to enhance the protection of vulnerable populations and ensure that their autonomy is respected in medical decision-making, potentially leading to changes in how health care providers approach sterilization procedures.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill A01582 appears to be supportive among advocates for disability rights and informed consent, as it seeks to protect individuals from coercion and ensure their autonomy. However, there may be concerns from some health care providers about the implications of the bill on their ability to perform necessary medical procedures, particularly in urgent situations where consent may be difficult to obtain.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from health care providers who argue that the bill could complicate urgent medical decisions, particularly in cases where a patient is unable to provide consent due to their condition. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on the effectiveness of supported decision-making agreements and whether they adequately protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. Advocates for disability rights may contend that the bill does not go far enough in ensuring protections against coercion in medical settings.

Companion Bills

NY S03357

Same As Provides that substituted consent by a guardian, health care proxy, or other third party shall not authorize a procedure resulting in sterilization in the absence of the informed consent of the person being sterilized.

Previously Filed As

NY S03357

Provides that substituted consent by a guardian, health care proxy, or other third party shall not authorize a procedure resulting in sterilization in the absence of the informed consent of the person being sterilized.

NY HB1040

Sterilization Rights of Person with Disabilities

NY HB261040

Concerning the sterilization rights of a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

NY SB756

Coverage of sterilization procedures and patient education and counseling under health insurance policies and plans. (FE)

NY AB755

Coverage of sterilization procedures and patient education and counseling under health insurance policies and plans. (FE)

NY SB20

Veterinarians; student loan repayment; who practice shelter medicine and in nonprofit pet sterilization clinics; provide; create the State Veterinary Education Board for Shelter Medicine and Pet Sterilization

NY HM32

Address Forced Sterilization Policy

NY SM14

Address Forced Sterilization Policy

NY SB1099

gender transition procedures; informed consent

NY A07840

Provides that consenting registrants of the adoption information registry may pre-authorize the release of identifying information.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.