Reaction to ACT MP David Seymour’s private member’s Bill.

The Voluntary Euthanasia Society of New Zealand welcomed David Seymour’s Bill as providing “some momentum towards a law change” but it does not go far enough, President Jack Havill said Wednesday.

“Allowing people with terminal illnesses and unbearable suffering to end their own lives in a manner and at a time of their choosing would be a very popular measure, judging by every available poll, and it seems to be only MPs who are holding it back,” Dr Havill said.

“So we congratulate David Seymour for being prepared to submit another bill to Parliament, even though we would have liked to see some provision for End-of-Life Directives, which could ensure people’s verified wishes for their manner of dying are observed, after they have ceased to be able to argue the point with a doctor.

"In the absence of any other bill on this matter however, we give our support to his efforts and will present a comprehensive submission on it should it be drawn from the Parliamentary ballot.”

Dr Havill said VESNZ would be happy for the Select Health Committee to consider Seymour’s bill in parallel with its current enquiry into public attitudes on the issue.
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