Representative Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) has introduced a bill preventing federal funding of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.
What the Bill Does
In addition to prohibiting federal funding for medical entities that facilitate the practice, Rep. Hamadeh's Protecting Vulnerable Patients, Seniors, and Families Act prevents taxpayer dollars from being used to support the administration of lethal drugs.
Other provisions include strengthening patients' rights protections to decline treatment, including during end-of-life care, preserving patient autonomy and informed consent, and establishing a narrow exception for lawful death sentences imposed for capital crimes.
Rep. Hamadeh drafted the bill in response to the death of Brigitte "GG" Stegemann, an 83-year-old Canadian grandmother who was killed through the country's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program in July despite allegedly not giving informed consent to the procedure.
What Hamadeh is Saying
"When I read about the heartbreaking case of Brigitte "GG" Stegemann, who was murdered through Canada's assisted suicide program, I knew we had to take action," the Arizona congressman said in his press release, adding, "Despite expressing regret about entering Canada's euthanasia program just prior to her death, Ms. Stegemann was ruthlessly slain by bureaucrats, whose only concern was cutting costs. As American healthcare costs continue to rise, death should never be an easy go-to alternative for care, treatment, or support."
Hamadeh's press release further emphasized that the bill "reflects Congressman Hamadeh's commitment to protecting vulnerable Americans and ensuring that rising healthcare costs never become a justification for replacing compassionate medical treatment and support with extermination."
Other Medical Bills
In July, Hamadeh introduced the Veterans and Servicemembers PTSD Emerging Treatment Review Act, which requires the Pentagon to compile a report to Congress on emerging clinical research into PTSD and new clinical treatments, including trials in Arizona for psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms.
