Friends,

I am reaching out again because the New York state legislature just passed the Grieving Families Act for the fourth time, and I need your help. Despite the bill’s overwhelming bipartisan support, Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed it three times. She will now consider the GFA for the fourth time.

Maison would be nine years old this November, and New York State has still not yet changed its discriminatory 200-year-old wrongful death law.

According to the March of Dimes, Black infants in New York City are more than five times as likely to die before their first birthday compared to white infants. 

And, new reporting from the Times Union this week says that New York hospital care is “not acceptable” and “among the worst in the nation.” The Grieving Families Act will improve patient safety for infants, like my Maison, and for all New Yorkers.

As evidenced by this new study and the State Health Department, Governor Hochul must sign the GFA to improve health care for all New Yorkers. This discrimination must end to save the lives of babies like Maison.

This battle isn’t over. We’re up against special interests, including the hospital and insurance associations, which are spending millions to prevent justice for Maison and children like him. The same families who are most vulnerable in our healthcare system are also the ones most harmed by New York’s restrictive, outdated wrongful death law. But we will persevere until there is justice for Maison and for every New Yorker failed by a system with no accountability.

How can you help make New York safer for all? Forward this message to friends and family to sign this petition. Demand accountability from Governor Hochul and ask for her signature on the Grieving Families Act NOW.