2003 SESSION

03-0806

01/09

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 13

ANALYSIS

This house concurrent resolution declares the health rights of the citizens of New Hampshire.

03-0806

01/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Three

Whereas, recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equality of all New Hampshire citizens is the foundation of sound state government; and

Whereas, it is essential to promote the development of healthy citizens in order to uphold basic quality of life standards for all; and

Whereas, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights includes providing access to quality health care; and

Whereas, a common understanding of the basic need for health care is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the following declaration of New Hampshire citizen health rights shall be the common standard for all the citizens of New Hampshire:

I. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with the right to be free from the harsh inequities that result from health care for some and not for all.

II. All New Hampshire citizens are entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

III. Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person; such security includes the right to access to health care.

IV. Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself or herself and of his or her family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his or her control; and

That copies of this resolution signed by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate be forwarded by the house clerk to the department heads of New Hampshire state agencies and to the governor.