Bill > S03357

This bill provides comprehensive protections against involuntary sterilization for individuals with disabilities by prohibiting medical providers from performing sterilization procedures without the direct, informed consent of the person being sterilized. The legislation explicitly prevents guardians, health care proxies, or other third parties from providing substituted consent for such procedures. The bill introduces several key protections, including a requirement that health care providers offer appropriate accommodations to help individuals with disabilities understand the nature, risks, and alternatives to sterilization, such as using visual aids, providing information in accessible formats, and ensuring the person's wishes are ascertained without undue influence from family members or caregivers. The bill also establishes that a person cannot be presumed to lack decision-making capacity solely based on their disability, diagnosis, use of supported decision-making, guardianship status, or previous court determinations. A notable exception allows sterilization without individual consent only if the procedure is necessary to preserve life or prevent serious health impairment. Additionally, the bill introduces a supported decision-making framework that allows individuals with disabilities to voluntarily engage supporters who can help them understand and navigate medical decisions without making those decisions on their behalf.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3357