Seymour is doing the right thing
Don Brebner would clearly like the majority of MPs to oppose David Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill, but they would be foolish to do so.
Independently conducted polls consistently show that the majority of New Zealanders are in favour of end of life choice. Horizon's 1300 randomly selected respondents showing 75 per cent support are statistically way more valid, in my view than the self-selecting select committee submissions he mentions. Likewise the 3 News/Reid Research poll in 2015 showing 71 per cent support, and others.
It's not surprising. How could we not be moved by the plight of Lecretia Seales and others? This should be between the individual, family and their trusted medical advisers, not the state. By giving us more choice, Seymour is doing the right thing.
A referendum would almost certainly give euthanasia a green light, but that is not the way forward. Seymour's bill contains comprehensive protections to address concerns about abuse, and it is right that these should be gone through with a fine-toothed comb, in a sober and thoughtful select committee room.
(Abridged)
Stuart Pedersen
Mt Maunganui
Delayed recall
So Prime Minister Bill English recalled in a few hours the Todd Barclay incident. He has had 14 years to recall his National Party's pledge to abolish Maori electorates. Let's hope that's long enough.
Bryan Johnson
Omokoroa
