Rebecca Brown is a former state representative and directs the New Hampshire Alliance for End of Life Options.

What is the true meaning of Live Free or Die? In my 30 years in New Hampshire, one principle stands out: Government should not dictate our choices as long as we harm no one else.

This concept, alongside neighborliness and independence, forms the foundation of New Hampshire living.

The New Hampshire House will soon vote on HB254, the End of Life Freedom Act. This bill asks: Do we trust terminally ill, capable adults to decide their final days based on their own values and beliefs? It tests our commitment to self-determination at life’s end.

Over 1,200 people, including numerous healthcare professionals, have signed a petition supporting HB254, which would enable medical aid in dying in our state. Some of their comments follow, reflecting sentiments expressed by many others.

A writer from Hampstead said: “I was the primary caregiver for my mother, who was diagnosed with incurable, terminal head and neck cancer. Her pain and suffering were horrible and immeasurable, and they became increasingly worse as the cancer metastasized. While she was still communicative, she told me constantly she wished to die. The legal system denied her that dignity. With no hope for recovery, no one should have to suffer such a gruesome death.”

A writer from Litchfield commented: “In my 30-plus years of health care work, I’ve seen unnecessary suffering when people are dying from an incurable illness. I’m sure many would have ended their pain sooner if they had the option to choose medically guided death. When will our government stop assuming they know what is best for everyone?!”

Someone in North Swanzey wrote: “It should be up to me if I have a terminal illness. As a nurse since 1980, I have seen patients die horrible deaths; we can do better.”

A writer from Portsmouth said: “New Hampshire prides itself on limiting government intrusion into the private lives and decisions of its residents. Allowing someone with a terminal illness to choose to end their own suffering is completely consistent with that ethos.”

In Grantham, someone implored: “Please pass HB254 as soon as possible. I am on palliative chemotherapy for ovarian cancer and want the option to die in my beautiful New Hampshire home when I’m ready.”

From a writer in Cornish Flat: “My mother was able to make this choice in Vermont and her passing was lovely and merciful she did not have to suffer. Everyone should have this choice.”

A writer from Manchester said: “I am 81 years old and I have taken care of my father, my mother and my husband with at-home hospice. The last few weeks before they died were extremely difficult because they were in constant agony with no pain relief. It would be more humane to allow death than to let people die in such pain and agony.”

In Newbury, someone wrote: “I watched my mother and then my husband, die slow, painful deaths from colon cancer and lung cancer, respectively. They wanted the suffering to end but they didn’t have a choice. As they neared death they were given higher doses of morphine until it finally ended their lives. Drugs ended their lives but not until they suffered unbearable pain and then fell into a coma from the higher doses of morphine. Why couldn’t we have honored them as human beings and allowed them to say their goodbyes and choose their last day? Who benefited from drugging them slowly to suffer those last days? Certainly not their loved ones. Not their doctors and nurses. Not the hospitals and care homes. Not the taxpayers. No one. No one and no law should deny them the dignity of choice.”

A writer from Fremont said: “The right to free ourselves from pain and suffering of a terminal illness should not be questioned. It is inhumane to force a person to endure such when there is no hope of improvement or survival.”

From a writer in Portsmouth: “With compassion, we can and we must offer care to those at the end of their lives. It’s a moral issue of deep concern to pastors like me and churches like mine.”

In Plainfield, a writer explained: “Right now, over 70 percent of our state residents agree this is important. We need our elected officials to act on the priorities of the people. Living free should include choices that allow one to choose to die on their terms, having met the defined criteria.”

My own comment is this: My beloved husband, a proud New Hampshire native and military veteran, ended his life on his own terms when his suffering became unbearable and he believed there was no other way.

I’m supporting this bill to help other families avoid the anguish mine felt from his violent death.

Simply put, HB254 stands for freedom, compassion and the core of New Hampshire values.