New Zealand right-to-die bill makes euthanasia legal

 A year after 65 per cent of voters  backed assisted dying in a nationwide plebiscite, New Zealand has formally legalised euthanasia.

Two doctors must agree the patient is well-informed and other legal criteria are met, and only a person with a terminal illness and less than six months to live will be eligible.

The ACT party, who introduced the bill to parliament, said the legislation allowed choice, control and compassion for those who are suffering.

“From today we will have a kinder, more humane and compassionate society,” deputy leader Brooke van Velden said in a statement.

“A society should be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable. Our country will now give those who face terrible suffering at the end of their life compassion and choice. It’s a good day to be a Kiwi.”

But some say inequity has been raised with the law, with fears that assisted dying could be used to save healthcare costs and worsen discrimination against Maori and Pacific Islanders.

It is not yet clear how many New Zealanders may seek assisted dying, but the Ministry of Health estimates up to 950 people could apply each year, with up to 350 being assisted to die.

-AAP

Advertisement