New Hampshire Vetoes Bill to Establish End-of-Life Decisions Study Committee

Yesterday, Maggie Hassan, the Governor of New Hampshire, vetoed H.B. 403.  This bill would have established a committee to study end-of-life decisions.



The Governor explained that she saw "no need for the study committee."  Legislation concerning end-of-life decisions, she noted, is already approached "seriously and thoughtfully, always seeking to include the input of those who understand these issues best: doctors, patients, advocates for the elderly and those who experience chronic conditions or disabilities, and the people of New Hampshire."



The Governor may be right about the inclusiveness.  That is hopefully part of any state's legislative process.  But many states (e.g. Maryland) have still materially benefited from their end-of-life decisions committees.