National MP Maggie Barry and Act Party leader David Seymour in the End of Life Choice Bill debate in Whanganui on May 30. Photo / File
National MP Maggie Barry and Act Party leader David Seymour in the End of Life Choice Bill debate in Whanganui on May 30. Photo / File
Lately I have fielded a range of questions from people across the political divide wanting answers and seeking clarification regarding legalising euthanasia.
We all know people who have endured long periods of suffering without enjoying any quality of life. This probably explains the unprecedented level of interest and engagement that has been sparked by the End of Life Choice Bill – a private member's bill sponsored by Act leader David Seymour.
It has passed its first reading and is currently being considered by Parliament's justice select committee.
"This Bill gives people with a terminal illness or a grievous and irremediable medical condition the option of requesting assisted dying. The motivation for this Bill is compassion. It allows people who so choose, and are eligible under this Bill, to end their lives in peace and dignity, surrounded by loved ones."
The passage of this law would have a huge impact on the lives of many people, and for medical professionals, and the family and loved ones of the terminally ill, this is a big deal.
During submissions, we have heard heart-wrenching stories of immense pain and suffering. We have also heard from people who had wanted to end their life due to medical conditions which they later recovered from.
In my experience, many elderly start to sense, rightly or wrongly, that they are starting to become a burden, especially if special care arrangements begin to impact the lives of the younger generation.
I am wary of hasty decisions, especially where vulnerable people are involved. I believe my long association with Special Olympics NZ gives me a unique viewpoint on what is a very complex subject.
To me, this heightens the need for any sort of law change to have watertight safeguards from the kind of value judgements that could be made in haste, or in family circumstances of conflict or confusion, expectation or expediency.
The End of Life Choice Bill has received more submissions than any other piece of legislation in recent times. In fact, so far over 35,000 people have felt strongly enough to have a say, and we're not done yet. The select committee is about to embark on a 12-city, 25-meeting tour of New Zealand to hear from individuals, community groups and regional organisations about their views on the proposed legislation.
Ian McKelvie
In our region there will be a meeting in Palmerston North on Thursday, August 23, and one in Whanganui on Tuesday, August 28.
All of the political parties are allowing their members to vote according to their conscience.
We must remember, though, that this isn't just about bringing in a new law to allow euthanasia. It requires a significant shift along the continuum on which we value the sanctity of life.
