A group of disability rights advocates have filed a lawsuit over New York's Medical Aid in Dying Act, which was signed into law in February after a 10-year effort by advocates to get it passed. 

The suit was filed on Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

The organizations claim that people with life-threatening disabilities belong to a protected class and are at risk of harm if the law goes into effect. The lawsuit says the groups want to stop officials from putting in place a "deadly and discriminatory system." 

“The State of New York has also recently shifted towards a single fiscal intermediary for its Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, making it more difficult for people with disabilities to access essential medical benefits and long-term care," the suit says.

The law allows mentally competent, terminally ill adults who have less that six months to live to request life-ending medication. It is scheduled to go into effect on Aug. 5.

In an emailed statement to Capital Tonight, a spokesperson for governor said:

“While we cannot comment on any pending litigation, the historic legislation allows terminally ill New Yorkers with less than six months to live to make a voluntary, informed decision to request medication for medical aid in dying. It reflects years of thoughtful planning and consideration. The Department of Health is working on regulations that will implement the law thoughtfully and responsibly.”

The lawsuit can be read in full below: