Congress·In Committee·about 1 month ago
Ban on Assisted Suicide in the District of Columbia
Legislative Progress
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Key Points
- This bill would stop the District of Columbia's local government from passing any laws that allow doctors to help terminally ill patients end their lives.
- The proposal would officially cancel the 'Death With Dignity Act of 2016,' a local law that currently allows certain D.C. residents to request life-ending medication from their doctors.
- By changing the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, Congress would permanently take away the city's power to regulate or permit euthanasia and assisted suicide in the future.
- This action specifically targets the nation's capital, where Congress has the unique power to override local laws made by the city council and mayor.
- If this becomes law, terminally ill patients in D.C. would no longer have the legal option to seek medical assistance in dying, regardless of what local officials or voters prefer.
Milestones
2 milestones2 actions
Jan 22, 2026House
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Jan 22, 2026
Introduced in House
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
To amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to prohibit the Council of the District of Columbia from enacting any law to permit euthanasia and assisted suicide in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes.
Bill NumberHR 7196
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)R: 1
Data Sources
Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.