Woman denies assisted suicide allegation

An American woman has denied assisting in the suicide of a woman in New Zealand.

Police this week charged Susan Wilson of North Carolina with assisting in the suicide after the death of North Shore woman Audrey Wallis.

But she is unlikely to face trial as she has refused to return to New Zealand voluntarily and the charge is not covered by the extradition treaty between New Zealand and the United States.

However, Ms Wilson today denied providing the euthanasia drug Nembutal to anyone, and denied receiving $12,000 from Ms Wallis.

She said she was contacted in 2008 by Ms Wallis who asked her if she could provide her with information on obtaining a peaceful death.

"Susan provided that information, sat with her when she ended her life using helium to cause anoxia, and received compensation for air fares and accommodation to visit NZ totalling $2000." Dr Philip Nitschke of Exit International said in a statement.

He said Ms Wallis and many people like her wanted a peaceful and reliable death in their own home and for this they need access to good information.

"Susan Wilson made this possible and Audrey Wallis was immensely grateful. That's where the issue should have ended."

- NZPA