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Bill

HB 1109

An Act amending Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for compassionate aid in dying; and imposing penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Missy Cerrato and 14 co-sponsors

HB 1109 would legalize medical aid in dying for terminally ill Pennsylvania residents, establishing procedures and protections while imposing penalties for violations.

Referred to Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1109

Legislative bill overview

HB 1109 would amend Pennsylvania's decedent and estate laws to create a legal framework allowing terminally ill individuals to request medical assistance in ending their lives, commonly referred to as "aid in dying" or medical aid in dying. The bill establishes procedures, safeguards, and penalties related to this practice, making Pennsylvania potentially the latest state to legalize this option.

Why is this important

This addresses end-of-life autonomy for terminally ill patients and represents a significant shift in Pennsylvania's medical and legal landscape. It affects healthcare provider obligations, patient rights, family dynamics around death decisions, and estate/inheritance considerations, with implications for roughly 200,000+ annual deaths in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Religious and moral objections: Many faith-based organizations and right-to-life advocates oppose aid in dying on theological or ethical grounds regarding the sanctity of life
  • Safeguard adequacy: Disagreement over whether proposed protections (mental health evaluations, waiting periods, physician oversight) are sufficient to prevent coercion or pressure on vulnerable populations
  • Medical ethics concerns: Questions about physician roles, the "do no harm" principle, and impacts on doctor-patient trust and palliative care availability
  • Vulnerable population protection: Concerns that disabled individuals, elderly, economically disadvantaged, or isolated people could face subtle pressure to choose death rather than burden families
  • Implementation details: Uncertainty about specific requirements, witness standards, documentation, and appeal procedures not yet detailed in available bill summary

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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