HB 1659, the NH Death with Dignity Act, will be heard in the Judiciary Committee of the NH Legislature on Feb. 12 at 1 p.m.
ALERT: Because of the possibility of high turnout, this hearing may take place at Reps Hall in the State House. Please check back here for final location information.
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The sponsor of this bill is Rep. Catt Sandler (D-Somersworth). She’s introducing the bill at the request of a constituent – her husband. They hope he’ll have a death with dignity option as he faces his terminal illness. You can read the bill text here. For Rep. Sandler and for so many of us, this law is deeply personal. It’s about our humanity, about our having control over the quality of our lives, in consultation with our intimates and our physicians. Your help is needed! Here’s how:
- Simply show up and sign in to support the bill at the hearing Feb. 12. There is a sign in sheet, and the committee takes note of how many people show up in favor and in opposition.
- You can testify at the Judiciary Committee hearing Feb. 12. You can speak in person, or submit a written statement.
The most effective testimony is short, to the point, and personal. For instance:
- Why is a Death with Dignity important to you?
- What in your experience brings you to this?
- How would this law change your life or life of a loved one?
Here is a great resource for preparing testimony for NH legislative committees. If you appear in person, we’ll be there to support you. If you have more questions, please contact us. If you’re willing, a copy of your testimony may be very helpful as we build support for this movement. Please e-mail us a copy or bring a copy with you to Concord on the day of the hearing.
You can email the entire committee a copy of your testimony using this address: HouseJudiciaryCommittee@leg.state.nh.us
Testimony can be mailed to: House Judiciary Committee, NH General Court, Legislative Office Building , 33 North State Street, Concord, NH 03301
The Judiciary Committee hearing will be in Room 208 of the Legislative Office Building on 33 North State Street between Park and Capitol streets, just across from the State Capitol. Parking is on street or in municipal garages.
(Please note above that the hearing may be in the State Capitol itself)
If this bill becomes law, New Hampshire will join nine other states where citizens suffering terminal illness have the right to control their end of life.
New Hampshire Death with Dignity is a grassroots advocacy group supporting passage of a medical aid-in-dying law for our state. Modeled on Oregon’s time-proven Death with Dignity Act, these laws provide peace and comfort to terminally ill adults who qualify. Vermont passed Act 39, The Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act, in 2013. The Maine Death with Dignity Act went into effect in 2019.
We think New Hampshire’s terminally ill adults should have access to the same end-of-life liberty our neighbors enjoy.
It’s time, New Hampshire.