Letter: The End-of-Life Options bill risks veterans’ lives
Published: 01-27-2025 9:19 AM |
As a veteran and a former chief of staff at Manchester VA Medical Center, I am deeply concerned about the potential consequences of the current End-of-Life options bill for those who have served our nation.
Supporters of this legislation frame the bill as a compassionate option for those facing a terminal illness. Instead, this bill poses significant dangers for people facing mental health challenges, including PTSD, depression or a traumatic brain injury (TBI), who may consider ending their own lives. There are many in the veteran community suffering from these conditions. I am against any legislation that normalizes suicide and sends the message that it’s okay to end your life under certain circumstances.
Veterans are 57.3% more likely to die by suicide than non-veterans, with 17 to 24 veterans dying by suicide in the U.S. each day. Many of us face unique challenges in accessing consistent mental health care and support systems in New Hampshire.
In a state that often struggles to meet mental health needs, I would much rather support legislation that helps vulnerable veterans get access to care than legislation that provides an option to end their own lives.
Worse yet, this legislation may allow the healthcare system to steer its citizens in the direction of end-of-life options simply because they cost less money than life-saving treatments and resources.
Our Veterans deserve better. We’ve faced battles abroad; we shouldn’t face a system that gives up on us at home. Let’s prioritize care and support, not policies that normalize ending lives.
Andrew J Breuder, MD
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