New Hampshire
Background
New Hampshire, with a population
of 1.3 million people, has a suicide rate that is above the national
average. [American Assn. of Suicidology, 2005] Although, nationally, more
people die from suicide each year than from homicide, the difference between
the percentage of suicides and homicides is far greater in New Hampshire
than it is nationwide. [NH Bureau of Health Statistics and Data Management,
2003]
Eleven percent of New Hampshire residents are without health insurance
coverage and, of those with health insurance, 21.5 percent are enrolled in
HMOs. [U.S. Census Bureau 2009 Statistical Abstract]
Elder abuse is a growing problem in the state. Between 2004 and 2005, elder
abuse increased 92 percent. [NH DHHS, 2009]
Current law regarding assisted
suicide
Assisted suicide is a felony in
New Hampshire. [N.H. Rev. Stat. § 630:4]
Pending legislation
H.B. 304 has been retained in
committee. It will be studied and revised over the summer and is unlikely to
come up for a vote in the full house until January 2010. (March 17, 2009)
H.B. 304,
as amended,
changed the definition of "terminal condition" and the witnessing
requirements.
NH
H.B. 304, the Death with Dignity Act, is similar to
Oregon's
assisted-suicide law and
Washington's
Death with Dignity Act. It would transform the crime of assisted suicide
into a "medical treatment" and would permit each of New Hampshire's
physicians to prescribe drugs to patients for the purpose of committing
suicide.
Analysis of pending legislation (H.B.
304, as amended)
View
Past attempts to transform
assisted suicide into a medical treatment in New Hampshire
Attempts to legalize assisted
suicide were made, but failed, in 1996 (HB 339), in 1998 (HB 1433-FN) and in
1999-2000 (SB
44).
Articles
"Professor proposes controversial bill"
( Keene Equinox - Keene, NH USA - March 12, 2009 )
A proposed bill by a Keene State College professor regarding
physician-assisted suicide would make New Hampshire the third state to
legalize the practice. More
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