Iowa House Bill HF2288

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

A bill for an act creating the Iowa our care, our options Act, and providing penalties.

Impact

The legislation impacts state laws by formalizing the practice of medical aid in dying in Iowa, thus shaping the legal landscape surrounding end-of-life care. Specifically, the bill stipulates that actions taken in compliance with this law do not constitute suicide or euthanasia. Moreover, healthcare providers are protected from civil or criminal liability when providing medical aid in dying according to the bill's guidelines. However, the law also emphasizes that participation by providers is voluntary, reinforcing the respect for individual choice and professional ethics among healthcare practitioners.

Summary

House File 2288, known as the Iowa Our Care, Our Options Act, introduces provisions enabling terminally ill adults to request medication for self-administration to end their life under specific conditions. The bill outlines a process requiring a qualified patient—defined as an adult who is mentally capable and diagnosed with a terminal illness—to make two oral requests followed by a written request to their healthcare provider. The objective is to provide a legal framework for medical aid in dying that respects patient autonomy while ensuring necessary safeguards are in place. It aims to give terminally ill patients control over their end-of-life decisions, particularly in situations of unremitting pain or severe decline in quality of life.

Contention

Debates surrounding HF 2288 are likely to center on ethical, moral, and medical concerns. Proponents assert that the ability to choose medical aid in dying empowers patients facing terminal conditions to alleviate suffering and maintain dignity. Conversely, opponents may contend that it raises ethical questions about the sanctity of life and the potential for coercion in vulnerable populations. Additionally, there is concern regarding the adequacy of safeguards to prevent misuse of the law, particularly relating to mental health evaluations and ensuring that patients are making informed choices without external pressure.