# What This Bill Actually Does

This is a statement of Congress's opinion—not a law that changes anything right now. It expresses that members of Congress believe assisted suicide (also called "medical aid in dying" or "death with dignity" in some states) is dangerous and shouldn't be supported by the federal government. The bill doesn't ban assisted suicide or create new rules; it's essentially Congress saying "we think this is a bad idea."

The resolution argues that assisted suicide puts vulnerable people at risk, particularly elderly people, those with disabilities, and people experiencing depression. It points out that in states where assisted suicide is legal (like Oregon), most people who choose it cite psychological and social reasons—like feeling like a burden on family or losing dignity—rather than unbearable pain. The bill also criticizes existing state laws for lacking safeguards, such as requiring psychological evaluations, having medical staff present when the medication is taken, or preventing family members from pressuring patients.

The resolution calls on the federal government to focus instead on improving access to palliative care, hospice, and other end-of-life medical support. It emphasizes that better pain management and quality care should be the priority rather than assisted suicide options. While this resolution doesn't directly affect current state laws that allow medical aid in dying, it signals congressional opposition to the practice and could influence future federal funding decisions or policy directions related to end-of-life care.

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.

Wenstrup, Brad R.

<p>This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the federal government should ensure access to appropriate end-of-life care and discourage adoption of policies or practices supporting assisted suicide.</p>