Health Select Committee Inquiry on Suicide

Euthanasia-Free NZ welcomes the Health Select Committee’s investigation into the ending of one’s life in New Zealand.

With around 480 suicides per year as well as more than 2600 hospitalisations for intentional self-harm injuries which would include suicide attempts, it’s an issue that has affected thousands of Kiwi families and communities.

“I know firsthand the pain suicide leaves behind,” recalls Renee Joubert, Executive Officer of Euthanasia-Free NZ. Her involvement in this non-profit organisation is an outflow of her best friend’s suicide some years ago. “The proposal that doctors become the facilitators of suicide sends a chill down my spine.”

“This inquiry is an excellent opportunity for New Zealanders to comment on the support services they and their loved ones have accessed and how these could be improved”, she says. “Hopefully it will help to further reduce our suicide rate and improve mental health outcomes especially for youth, the elderly and Maori people.”

ENDS

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