Is “Live Free or Die” losing its meaning? One Granite Stater is worried about 3 proposed laws

Growing up in Manchester, Hannah Murphy made a piece of kindergarten art that her family had hanging in their den for two decades—in fact, it’s still there, tattering at the edges.

“Live Free or Die,” said Murphy, now 26. “It was just a coloring page to keep us busy, but my parents were kind of hard core about it.”

In any other state, a coloring page with the words “Live Free or Die” on it might raise eyebrows. “Not in New Hampshire,” said Murphy, laughing. 

Granite Staters frequently invoke the state motto as a rallying cry for various causes, during political debates, and in advertising. It’s printed on the state quarter, state emblem, and state license plate, reflecting a deeply rooted commitment to individual freedom and independence for all residents. 

“Well, not anymore,” Murphy said. “It doesn’t seem like people gather around it in the same way they did when I was a kid and my parents were my age.”

“It’s just something people say now. It doesn’t mean anything. Not when you look at the current state government.”

As one of just eight states without an income tax and one of just three states with no sales tax, New Hampshire lawmakers often claim they have a dedication to minimal government interference. Except when it comes to today’s reproductive rights debates.

“It’s a little like when I was in middle school and kids would say stuff because they thought it would make the more popular kids notice them,” Murphy said, noting that the “more popular kids” in this scenario are President Donald Trump and his MAGA allies. “How did we get to the point where we need an after-school special to get our parents and grandparents to stop worrying about getting bullied and to start doing what’s right?”

Murphy said she’s been following several legislative efforts related to reproductive rights and health care in her home state—and she’s worried that the outcomes could push her family’s beloved motto even further out of relevancy. 

“I’m trying to decide right now where to make my first big career move, and wherever I go, I’ll probably be putting down roots. Honestly, I don’t know if I like the direction this state government is taking us, so I’m probably going to be moving somewhere with actual individual freedom,” she said.

Here’s a look at the legislation Murphy’s following, and where it currently stands:

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 7 (HCR 7): Recognizes abortion as an essential part of reproductive health care, and affirms that individuals in New Hampshire maintain the right to terminate a pregnancy up to 24 weeks.

Current Status: The resolution was recently tabled in the New Hampshire state House—which means it will not advance at this time, though the House could decide to pick it back up later. 

Live Free or Die? ❌ Tabling the resolution reflects a reluctance among Granite State lawmakers to affirm reproductive rights publicly. It also suggests that the resolution is unlikely to move forward without a significant shift in political will. 

SENATE BILL 260 (SB 260): Makes it clear that Granite Staters have the right to an abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, and ensures that no further restrictions will be imposed during that time. New Hampshire is the only state in New England without explicit protections for abortion written into state laws or the Constitution. 

Current Status: The bill had a hearing earlier this month, but was voted to be “Inexpedient to Legislate”—in other words, it should be rejected. 

Live Free or Die? ❌ Facing challenges from the Republican-majority legislature, the bill will likely fail—and abortion access will remain vulnerable in New Hampshire. 

HOUSE BILL 712 (HB 712): Limits breast surgeries for minors.

Current Status: Introduced by a slate of Republicans, the bill has sailed through committee and has been stamped “Ought to Pass” with an amendment clarifying some possible situations that might come up—such as when a minor needs malignant breast tissue removed, or when they’re seeking surgery to remove reproductive organs. 

Live Free or Die? ❌ Medical professionals and advocacy groups have argued that this bill represents government overreach into private health care decisions. Passage of the bill would also signal a rollback of existing LGBTQ+ rights in New Hampshire.