Please vote yes in support of upcoming House Bill 1659, the death with dignity bill.
There are currently eight states, plus the District of Columbia, that have death with dignity laws. Maine was the latest state last fall. It seems ironic that New Hampshire, with its “Live Free or Die” motto, doesn’t have this law yet.
There are safeguards in this legislation so that it is used only for those near their end of life. In the 20 years this has been a law in Oregon, there has been no legal case of abuse. HB 1659 empowers terminally ill individuals to have the autonomy to determine their end-of-life options, if they want to.
It is not for us to judge or prevent others if they want to end their life in a peaceful, humane way. It is compassionate and loving to help them, if they so choose. I want this basic right for others, and I want it for myself one day. I wholeheartedly support HB 1659.
SUSIE J. YORK
Hopkinton