Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Voluntary Euthanasia Society of NZ on Lecretia Seales

Voluntary Euthanasia Society of NZ on Lecretia Seales

The Voluntary Euthanasia Society of New Zealand is confident that a change in the law is on the way despite Justice David Collins’ judgement on the case brought by Lecretia Seales, its president Dr Jack Havill said on Friday.

Extending sympathy to the family of Lecretia, who died early this morning, Dr Havill applauded her bravery in bringing the case and said she was assured of a lasting place in New Zealand’s legal medical history for putting the issue before the country.

“We thank Lecretia for summoning her courage and limited energy to bring this case forward. She has demonstrated that the time has come for real debate about this issue.

“At least three-quarters of New Zealanders support a law change that means no more would die, but fewer would suffer,” said Dr Havill, a retired intensive care medicine specialist.

“Just last month a Research New Zealand poll found 74% of New Zealanders surveyed believe people suffering a painful incurable disease should be able to end their lives in the loving presence of family and friends secure in the knowledge that no loved one risks going to prison for helping them end their suffering.”

Dr Havill said there was a clear worldwide trend towards approving end-of-life choice and judges in Canada and South Africa had ruled this year that denying people suffering painful and terminal illnesses the right to die with dignity breached their human rights.

He said the Voluntary Euthanasia Society, also known as End-of-Life Choice, would continue to fight for the rights of other sufferers. A petition urging Parliament to debate the issue is attracting signatures nationwide and politicians could not continue to ignore it, he said.

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.