Connecticut House Bill HB06024

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Aid In Dying For Terminally Ill Patients.

Impact

If enacted, HB 6024 would significantly change the landscape of end-of-life care in the state. By legalizing physician-assisted death for terminally ill patients, the bill could provide comfort and agency to individuals grappling with extreme pain and a diminishing quality of life. This legislation has the potential to align state law with the values of patient autonomy and dignity in the context of terminal illnesses.

Summary

House Bill 6024 proposes amendments to the general statutes to allow physicians to prescribe or dispense medication to terminally ill patients at their request. The purpose of the bill is to enable mentally competent patients who are terminally ill to self-administer this medication to bring about their death. This measure addresses the growing national dialogue surrounding aid in dying and seeks to provide an option for patients facing unbearable suffering during their final days.

Contention

The introduction of this bill is likely to evoke a spectrum of opinions. Supporters may argue that it empowers patients to make personal choices regarding their end-of-life care, while opponents may raise ethical and moral concerns about the implications of allowing assisted dying. Key points of contention may include debates on the definitions of 'mental competency,' the potential for coercion, and the role of healthcare providers in such decisions. Discussions surrounding safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure informed consent will also be critical as the bill progresses.