House Bill No. 1055
Our Position: Support
Brief Description:
The South Dakota Catholic Conference supports the passage of House Bill 1055. HB 1055 would require a physician to obtain parental consent prior to the institution of an order to withhold resuscitation for a child in South Dakota. Also known as “Simon’s Law,” the bill originates with a Kansas infant, Simon Crosier, born with Trisomy 13, a congenital chromosomal condition. Simon’s doctor instituted a Do-Not-Resuscitate order without the knowledge or consent of Simon’s parents. Simon died in the hospital when resuscitation was withheld. Under Catholic bioethical teaching, parents must be informed of relevant medical information and are responsible for medical decisions concerning an infant.