What’s Happening with Physician-Assisted Suicide in NH?
What is HB 254? House Bill 254, titled the "New Hampshire End of Life Freedom Act," proposes to legalize medical aid in dying (MAID) for individuals with terminal illnesses. This bill allows healthcare providers to prescribe life-ending medications for self-administration by patients. While it claims to offer “compassionate choices,” HB 254 poses significant ethical, medical, and social risks. HB 254 introduces a controversial and risky policy that could have far-reaching consequences for New Hampshire's residents. By opposing this bill, you can help protect vulnerable populations, uphold ethical medical practices, and ensure that New Hampshire continues to prioritize compassionate, equitable care for all.
Hearings to Attend: New Hampshire End of Life Freedom Act HB 254 has a public hearing set for Wednesday, January 29 at 1 p.m. in the House Judiciary Committee at 33 N State St, Concord, NH.
Why Oppose HB 254? HB 254 raises serious concerns about its impact on vulnerable populations, including:
The legalization of assisted suicide would pose grave danger for communities most vulnerable to suicide. These groups include veterans, young people, people with disabilities, those facing mental health challenges, those with traumatic brain injuries and people over 65 years old who may be susceptible to coercion because they believe they are a burden to their families.
Regardless of what it is called, physician-assisted suicide (or Medical Aid In Dying; End-of-Life Options, etc.) is, undisputably, suicide. The State cannot expect to reach its goal of reducing suicides in NH by passing a law that normalizes it.
The law is a teacher; we have seen physician-assisted suicide legislation expand in the U.S. and Canada. Marginalized groups may face undue pressure to choose physician-assisted suicide due to systemic inequities in healthcare access and affordability. We should be providing healthcare assistance for these groups, not steering them towards suicide.
Key Arguments Against HB 254
-HB 254 creates moral and ethical concerns: Legalizing physician-assisted suicide, or end-of-life options, sets up a conflict within the medical community; intentionally helping to end a life conflicts with the healthcare profession's commitment to healing and preserving life.
-HB 254 puts veterans and Individuals most susceptible to suicide at risk. If we open the door to physician-assisted suicide, we are sending the message that it is OK to take your own life in certain circumstances. This legislation could negatively impact the lives of those with disabilities, chronic illnesses or mental health conditions, who may be struggling with suicidal ideation and see physician-assisted suicide as a solution.
-Once the door to physician-assisted suicide is opened, it is destined to expand. Look at Canada, currently considering expanding MAID to include people with mental illness. Or states like Vermont and Oregon who are inviting people from out-of-state to end their lives in their state, where suicide is legal.
What You Can Do:
Educate Yourself: Read the full text of HB 254 here to understand its implications.
Contact Your Legislators:
Go to the official New Hampshire House of Representatives or New Hampshire Senate page.
Find Your District:
Use the “Find Your Representative” tool by entering your address to identify your district and legislators.
For senators, navigate to the Senate member list and locate your district.
Choose How to Contact
Email: Most legislators have an official email address listed on the General Court website.
Personalize your email with your name, district, and concerns about specific legislation.
Phone: Many legislators provide a direct phone number or their office line.
Be polite and concise, leaving a clear message if you reach voicemail.
Submit Public Testimony:
Attend hearings on the bill and share your concerns.
Submit written testimony to the House Judiciary Committee via the website or mail.
Spread Awareness:
Share information on social media to educate others about the dangers of HB 254.
Write a letter to the editor – it should be a short, persuasive piece of writing submitted to a newspaper or online publication to share your opinion on a topic, respond to recent coverage, or raise awareness about an issue.
Be Concise: Most newspapers have word limits (200-250 words). Check the specific publication’s requirements.
Hook Your Audience: Start with a strong opening that grabs attention, such as a fact or personal anecdote.
Make Your Point: Clearly state your opinion or call to action.
Reference Recent News: Link your letter to a recent article or issue covered in the publication.
Include Your Contact Information: Provide your name, town, and email/phone as required.
Engage in Local Advocacy:
Partner with organizations like the New Hampshire Brain Injury Association and veterans’ groups to amplify opposition.
Count Us In: Take the Pledge Toward Zero Suicides
“Policy change plays a vital role in supporting suicide prevention efforts” (20th Annual NH Suicide Prevention Conference 2023).
Join with the New Hampshire disability community and state veteran’s organizations in our commitment to reduce suicide and work toward the ultimate goal of zero suicides.
NH citizens living with disability are at extremely high risk for suicide – four times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population. NH’s veterans living with disability, especial those living with TBI and PTSD, are at an even higher risk for suicide – eight times more than the general population.
Take the Pledge toward zero suicides in New Hampshire:
I AGREE TO THE COUNT US IN PLEDGE:
JOIN THE COUNT US IN PLEDGE:
Count us in…top priority to improve access to community-based supports and services for individuals living with disability at-risk for suicide. Special emphasis on access to long term supports and services for veterans living with TBI and PTSD within the civilian system of care for veterans unable to access adequate VA services.
Count us in… top legislative priority to stand against efforts to open the door to the legislative approval of suicide or its legalization as an acceptable option for ending your life.
To call on lawmakers to oppose legislation that will weaken the states suicide prevention efforts by medicalizing suicide as appropriate health care for vulnerable persons; making the facilitation of suicide an acceptable medical procedure (such as Physician Assisted Suicide or Medical Aid in Dying).
Count us in…to improve access to long-term palliative care and palliative care psychiatry for persons living with disability and for veterans with TBI/PTSD, in all settings, including access to at-home palliative care.
Count us in…to ensure that persons living with disability and veterans living with TBI/PTSD have access to screening to identify those with co-occurring mental illness, substance use and TBI/PTSD in community-based settings.
Count us in…to increase “help seeking” culture and referrals within NH for persons living with disability and veterans with TBI/PTSD.
Count us in….to end ableism and discrimination against individuals living with disability. Especially any new laws that send a message that would devalue the daily lived experience of disabled individuals – such as feelings of burdensomeness, loss of autonomy or control, physical symptoms etc.
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