Pastor Blasts New Assisted Suicide Legislation
Pastor Victor Tiburcio, who leads the Breath of Life ministry in Queens, has voiced strong opposition to New York’s recent legislative decision permitting assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. He described the passage of the bill as a reflection of a broader moral and societal collapse in the United States.
The bill, passed by the state Assembly on June 10, would allow adults diagnosed with fewer than six months to live to request life-ending medication from a physician. Although the legislation awaits final approval from Governor Kathy Hochul, it has already sparked heated debates across ethical, religious, and medical communities. Tiburcio called the measure “a form of voluntary suicide” and warned that it could pave the way for other decisions that undermine the sanctity of life.
Supporters of the law argue that it honors personal choice and shows compassion to those suffering at the end of life. However, Tiburcio strongly disagrees, saying only God has the authority to give and take life. He urged Governor Hochul to reject the bill, expressing hope that divine wisdom would lead her to overturn it before it becomes law.
Rather than turning to physician-assisted death, Tiburcio encouraged the Christian community to expand their role in caring for the terminally ill. He emphasized the importance of spiritual support, explaining that over his four decades in ministry, he has seen individuals regain hope and even recover through faith and compassionate outreach.
The pastor called on churches to engage actively in hospital visits and emotional care, reminding believers of the biblical call to minister to the sick, as found in Matthew 25. Regardless of the bill’s final outcome, members of New York’s Hispanic Christian community are already mobilizing in defense of life, reaffirming their commitment to offer faith-based support to those facing the end of life.