Replies

H.R. 1003 generally would prohibit Federal funds from being used for the purpose of causing or assisting in causing the death of any individual by assisted suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing. This rule would apply to direct funding of the purchase of services to Federal institutions which provide health services, and Federal personnel who provide medical services. The legislation makes clear, however, that the prohibition would not limit Federal funding or otherwise affect the withholding of medical treatments or services, or efforts to alleviate pain or discomfort, that may increase the risk of death, so long as such services are not furnished for the purpose of causing or assisting in the causing of death.

This restriction on Federal funding would apply to both Medicare (Title XVIII of the Social Security Act) and to the Title XX Social Services Block Grant (Title XX of the Social Security Act). H.R. 1003 also would apply to other programs and Federal health care facilities, including the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Program, the Public Health Service Act, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program, the Developmental Disabilities and Bill of Rights Act, the Military Health Care System, Veterans Medical Care, Health Services for Peace Corps Volunteers, and Medical Services for Federal Prisoners.

In addition, the bill would prohibit the use of Federal funds for advocacy that would assist in or support assisted suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing, or to bring suit or provide any form of legal assistance for assisted suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing.

http://waysandmeans.house.gov/legacy/health/105cong/hl-1act.htm

H.R.1003 Text, PDF
Title: To clarify Federal law with respect to restricting the use of Federal funds in support of assisted suicide.
Sponsor: Rep Hall, Ralph M. [TX-4] (introduced 3/11/1997) Cosponsors: 118
Latest Major Action: 4/30/1997 Became Public Law No: 105-12.

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin//bdquery/z?d105:h.r.1003: