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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 30, 2023 08:48 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Tarik Khan and Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes, Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski, Rep. Lisa A. Borowski, Rep. MaryLouise Isaacson, Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Rep. G. Roni Green, Rep. Heather Boyd, Rep. Brian Munroe |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Health Care as a Human Right |
| Access to health care as a human right has been enshrined under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) treaty and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but has never been established as a right under the United States constitution. Further, no state had ever established health care as a right under their constitution either. However, on November 8, 2022, Oregon voted to amend their state constitution to establish health care as a human right for every resident, becoming the first state ever to constitutionally declare so in the United States. Pennsylvanians deserve to know their right to health care is protected constitutionally. Which is why we are introducing legislation that would amend the state constitution to establish health care as a human right in Pennsylvania. Under the amendment, the state would be required to ensure that every resident has access to cost-effective, clinically appropriate, and affordable health care as a fundamental right, as well as the opportunity to achieve and enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, access to health care has never been more important. Unfortunately, the pandemic has further highlighted how difficult it can be to access or afford health care. By establishing health care as a human right in Pennsylvania, we can ensure the wellbeing of every individual and family is protected and their dignity upheld. Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation to ensure every individual has the right to health care in Pennsylvania. |
Introduced as HB1562