Dear Editor:
I am a former three-term State Representative in New Hampshire who has been following the assisted suicide issue throughout the United States. The sentiment expressed by the recent AP article on this issue in Montana is correct, that it can lead to “cross aisle allegiances.” [01/06/13]
In New Hampshire, a bill to legalize assisted suicide was defeated in 2011 in the New Hampshire House, 234 to 99. A similar bill was defeated in the House in 2010. The vote was 242 to 113.
These were bi-partisan votes. In 2010, the House was controlled by the Democrats. In 2011, the House was controlled by the Republicans. In both years, assisted suicide was defeated by a 2 to 1 margin.
Assisted suicide laws empower heirs and others to pressure and abuse older people to cut short their lives. This is especially an issue when the older person has money. There is NO assisted suicide law that you can write to correct this huge problem.
Do not be deceived.
Nancy Elliott
Merrimack, New Hampshire