Defeat of HB 254 Is a Step in the Right Direction for Suicide Prevention in New Hampshire
On March 20, 2025, the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted 183–182 to table House Bill 254, a measure that would have legalized physician-assisted suicide in the state. A subsequent attempt on March 27 to revive the bill failed 169–204, effectively ending its progress through the legislature—for now.
Similar legislation was introduced in 2014, 2020, and again in 2024 with House Bill 1283. Thank you, New Hampshire, for once again rejecting a bill that puts our most vulnerable residents at greater risk of suicide.
Sponsored by Rep. Bob Lynn (R-Windham), HB 254 would have allowed medical professionals to assist terminally ill patients in ending their lives. Its defeat represents a significant moment for suicide prevention advocates across the state. At the end of the day, physician-assisted suicide is suicide—and suicide is something we are working hard to prevent, not promote.
This outcome was the result of tireless advocacy by individuals and organizations committed to protecting New Hampshire’s most vulnerable residents. We would like to recognize the critical efforts of many, including the Brain Injury Association of NH, Not Dead Yet, the Patients’ Rights Action Fund, the State Veterans Advisory Council, and many others who stood united against HB 254.
Their advocacy took many forms—making calls, sending emails, writing letters to the editor, and testifying in public hearings. Every voice made a difference, and this outcome would not have been possible without such widespread grassroots engagement.
Opponents of HB 254 raised serious concerns about the normalization of suicide at a time when suicide rates are rising, especially among youth, veterans, and people with disabilities. Specific concerns included:
Ethical conflicts for physicians, who may be placed in opposition to their oath to do no harm. The American Medical Association opposes physician-assisted suicide, stating: “Permitting physicians to engage in euthanasia would ultimately cause more harm than good… It is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer.”
Eroding safeguards: In jurisdictions where physician-assisted suicide is legal, originally strict eligibility criteria have often expanded. What began as access for those with six months or less to live has in some places been proposed for those with mental illness or eating disorders.
Impact on vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, veterans with PTSD, and teens struggling with mental health, who may internalize a message that their lives are not worth living.
Advocates warn that legalizing physician-assisted suicide sends the wrong message and undermines years of work to strengthen suicide prevention efforts across the state.
The NH Coalition for Suicide Prevention applauds the continued efforts of the State Suicide Prevention Council, the 988 Coalition and the expansion of the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the NH chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the NH Youth Suicide Prevention Assembly, and other organizations across the state working to save lives.
We continue to advocate for increased state resources for suicide prevention, mental health services, and palliative care—not legislation that would normalize the idea of ending one’s life. For more information about NH Coalition for Suicide Prevention, or to get involved in the coalition, visit www.zerosuicidesnh.org or contact Robin Schell at rschell@jjwpr.com or Ellen Edgerly at ellen@bianh.org.
June 12 Survivor Stories Event in Tamworth, NH
“Survivor Stories: Stories of Loss, Healing and Hope” is a community storytelling event that will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 6:30 pm– 8:00 pm at the Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main St. in Tamworth, NH.
This powerful event will feature personal stories from those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide, offering messages of remembrance, resilience, and hope. It is a space to reflect, find support, and build community around shared experiences of loss.
This event, hosted in partnership with the NH Dept. of Health and Human Services, the Carroll County Coalition for Public Health and the NH Suicide Prevention Council, is free, but registration is required. Refreshments will be served. To RSVP, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. visit www.c3ph.org, or call (603) 301-1252 x303.
Camp Resilience Offers Three-Day “Lantern Light Camp” For Military, Veteran & First Responder Families, June 20-22
Camp Resilience, in partnership with New England Collaborative Training and Retreats, is offering a three-day family wellness experience to military, veteran, and first responder families from June 20-22 at the Lantern Light Camp in Northwood, NH. Two-parent or single-parent families are welcomed to attend.
Camp Resilience retreats provide skill-based family building sessions, group activities and free time for family connection. Families will stay in rustic cabins with bunk beds and can enjoy the rare opportunity for electricity and internet-free surroundings.
Participants are required to bring their own bedding, and the minimum age of children is 7 years old. Space is limited . For more information or to apply visit https://camp-resilience.org/retreats/ Please send questions to info@camp-resilience.org or call 978 219 4003.
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