Norvell Emerson: “I rise to lend my full support to H.R. 1003, the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act. I thank Mr. Hall for his…”

“I rise to lend my full support to H.R. 1003, the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act. I thank Mr. Hall for his sponsorship of this legislation, and I urge this body to reaffirm our Nation's commitment to the life of each and every individual. Assisted suicide is an abominable act. Despite claims that it is a matter of mercy or dignity, an assisted suicide is nothing more than the murder of some of our most vulnerable citizens, persons who are ailing and sometimes unable to voice their will. These individuals deserve every chance at life and all the support and assistance that we can provide, not some misguided notion of a so-called honorable death. An assisted suicide must not be deemed an acceptable medical procedure, or the grave consequences will be the lives of our sick and elderly. The first and sacred rule of medicine is to preserve the life of the patient. That is why physician-assisted suicide is opposed by the American Medical Association and numerous other doctor and nurse associations. The House has the opportunity today to reaffirm this fundamental tenet of the health profession, making the law reflect what doctors, nurses, and most Americans already know intuitively. Mr. Speaker, America is a nation of justice and of compassion. Both justice and compassion tell us to pass H.R. 1003, and I urge my colleagues to give it their full support.”