The NH End of Life Options Act, HB 1283, is a bill being heard by the House Judiciary Committee Feb. 7. The bill creates the option for terminally ill people to request medication to end their lives peacefully if they are able to satisfy the strict eligibility criteria of mental capability, terminal condition with a prognosis of six months or less to live, and the ability to self-administer such medications. No one but the person can make this request and there are other clear provisions that assure no one is pressured in this decision. I care about this for many reasons.

As a former nurse, I saw so many people whose bodies quit on them, resulting in hopeless suffering. Their minds were often intact and they so often verbalized the desire to die. I also write from a family experience. My sister was a heavy smoker and had end-stage pulmonary disease at age 58. She had a ‘do not resuscitate’ order. Unfortunately, it was not on file at the hospital where her panicked husband brought her semi-conscious and in acute distress. She stopped breathing and was resuscitated and put on life support. She was weaned off life support and she made it clear not to put her back on, even if it prolonged her life. Instead, she suffered for a few days with an increasing struggle to breathe. I wish this option had been there for her. Please urge your legislator to support this bill.

Bev Cotton

Weare