Us Congress House Bill HCR109

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/23/24
• Refer: 5/23/24
• Refer: 5/31/24

Caption

Expressing the sense of the Congress that assisted suicide (sometimes referred to using other terms) puts everyone, including those most vulnerable, at risk of deadly harm.

Impact

The bill articulates a clear stance against assisted suicide, asserting that it undermines the integrity of the healthcare system. The sponsors argue that offering assisted suicide as an option may lead to insurance companies prioritizing it over more comprehensive treatment options for patients requiring end-of-life care. Furthermore, the resolution refers to a lack of necessary psychological evaluation for patients seeking assisted suicide, revealing the potential for coerced decisions influenced by family pressures or mental health issues.

Summary

HCR109 expresses the sense of Congress regarding concerns about assisted suicide. It emphasizes that such practices pose significant risks to all individuals, particularly the vulnerable, such as the elderly, disabled, and those facing emotional or financial pressures. The resolution aims to highlight the importance of comprehensive medical care, advocating that the government ensure access to high-quality palliative or hospice care instead of endorsing assisted suicide practices.

Contention

The resolution mentions significant legal precedents, including Supreme Court rulings that have upheld the government's right to prohibit assisted suicide, framing it as a measure to safeguard vulnerable individuals from coercive influences. It also reflects the concerns raised in various states that have legalized assisted suicide, which lack transparent oversight and do not enforce psychological assessments or the presence of medical personnel during the process. This lack of regulation raises alarms about the potential dangers of assisted suicide, including abuses of the system and a failure to provide adequate support for patients who might otherwise choose assisted suicide due to transient crises.

Additional_points

HCR109 underscores the need for states to reject assisted suicide legislation. By advocating for the enhancement of healthcare services instead of legalizing assisted suicide, Congress aims to bolster the support structures around vulnerable populations. This resolution signals a commitment to promoting better end-of-life care options and highlights the moral responsibility to provide comprehensive care rather than endorse practices that may threaten the most vulnerable members of society.