Broad inquiry into euthanasia set

Former Tauranga woman Lecretia Seales was unsuccessful in seeking a High Court ruling that would let her doctor help her die without criminal prosecution.

Details have been confirmed for an inquiry into voluntary euthanasia, to be carried out by Parliament's health committee.

The details were announced yesterday and followed the presentation of an 8975-signature petition to MPs by Voluntary Euthanasia Society supporters, including Matt Vickers, the husband of Tauranga-raised woman Lecretia Seales, who died on June 5.

The Wellington lawyer was unsuccessful in seeking a High Court ruling that would let her doctor help her die without criminal prosecution if she chose to do so.

Supporters hope the inquiry will be an important step towards a law change.

In releasing the terms of reference, National MP Simon O'Connor, the health committee chairman, said the subject would concern many New Zealanders and as such deserved a thorough examination. "The petitioners are requesting changes to laws that would make it possible for people to end their lives, or have others do so, under certain conditions. To ensure a thorough investigation, the select committee decided to undertake a broad inquiry," Mr O'Connor said.

The committee will investigate all aspects of the issue, including the social, legal, medical, cultural, financial, ethical and philosophical implications.

Mr O'Connor said the committee wanted to hear from all interested groups and individuals.

Mr Vickers earlier told the New Zealand Herald the inquiry was keeping the memory of his wife alive.

"Lecretia is a huge part of my life and not having her around any more is hard. But with this [inquiry] taking place, it's kind of like she's still here, in a way. It's keeping her memory alive ... it's heartening ..."

A private person, Ms Seales never sought to be the face of the right-to-die campaign in New Zealand and Mr Vickers told the Herald the decision to go public, an inevitable consequence of the legal bid, had been difficult.

The voluntary euthanasia inquiry will cover
•The factors that contribute to the desire to end one's life.
•The effectiveness of services and support available to those who desire to end their own lives.
•The attitudes of New Zealanders towards the ending of one's life, and the current legal situation.
•International experiences of the issue.