A press release from Family Life International, New Zealand

Friday 15th July, 2005

Today’s announcement from the New Zealand Medical Association regarding Euthanasia marks a frightening day for NZ medical history

Today’s announcement that the New Zealand Medical Association will be reconsidering its position on Euthanasia, at a meeting at the end of July, marks a frightening moment in New Zealand medical history.

Supporters of a change in legislation claim “the right to die”, yet there is no such thing. Death is not a human right it is an inevitable and unavoidable part of life. The right to life is the fundamental human right that underpins all other rights, without life one is never afforded the opportunity to exercise any other human rights.

What pro-euthanasia campaigners are actually asking for is a law that will take away a person’s right to life.

A change in approach by the New Zealand Medical Association to support Euthanasia would fly in the face of the Hippocratic Oath, that all Doctors take, that states quite clearly that “I will give no deadly medicine to anyone even if asked nor will I ever suggest such a counsel.”

Legalised voluntary Euthanasia always leads to an increase in involuntary euthanasia. It leads to a lowering of palliative care standards, and less concern for using finance and resources to fight terminal illness. It also creates lazy physicians, and a dangerous and unhealthy imbalance in the doctor patient relationship.

As New Zealanders we are renowned for celebrating those who fight against the odds and battle adversity with courage. It would be an absolute tragedy if our Medical Association were to support any act that would allow people to simply give up on life without even so much as a struggle.

ENDS

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