To the editor:
Feb. 12, I was in Concord for a hearing on House Bill 1659-FN (Death with Dignity Act), something I feel passionately about.
I have been a hospice volunteer and have also seen the effect of dying with and without dignity, on the patient and on family members and friends. The opposition seems to repeatedly argue two points: 1) passage of this bill would jeopardize challenged folks and, 2) would increase the already high suicide in New Hampshire rate, particularly among teenagers.
While not specifically stated, there seemed heavy religious support for these opinions particularity from the Catholic diocese. I feel deep caution in any religious organization influencing how and where I can die. These seem specious arguments that are brought out year after year without a data to support them.
The first statement of the bill states “This bill allows a mentally competent person who is 18 years of age or older who has been diagnosed as having a terminal disease by the patient’s attending physician and a consulting physician to request a prescription for medication to control the time, place and manner of such patient’s death … witnessed and signed in in essentially the same manner as an advance directive.” This seems a very difference matter than a drug induced carelessness or suicide. It does not, in my mind, enable or encourage suicide for teenagers, or any other population as well as providing protections from the medical profession. Puzzled how it endangers folks with emotional, physical and intellectual challenges. Seems the safeguards are there in place – age restriction and with medical assessment and supervision.
These arguments come up repeatedly and are unsupported by any research data in states that permit Death with Dignity. I hope we can all support this bill when it is out of committee.
Pamela Erdmann
Hancock