Voluntary Euthanasia Society of New Zealand, Inc. ves.org.nz

Media Release - 2 November 2016 – World Right to Die Day

Maryan Street - President, End Of Life Choice / Voluntary Euthanasia Society

The growing campaign for the right to die with dignity will be marked on Wednesday, November 2 around the world and in New Zealand, where a Parliamentary committee is holding an inquiry into the issue.

“EOLC/VES calls on the Police to pause Operation Painter on this international day of activism and stop harassing elderly people by turning up at their homes to question them, which is still going on ,” said Maryan Street, President of the End Of Life Choice / Voluntary Euthanasia Society.

“All around the world we are seeing countries, together with an increasing number of states in America, acknowledging the force of public opinion in favour of assisted dying,”

She said there was mounting reassuring evidence from countries where the power of compassion has provided for law changes to make assisted dying legal.

“The changes allow people who are terminally ill, or suffering irremediable conditions which have rendered their lives unbearable by their own assessment, to get medical assistance to die at a time and in a manner of their own choosing.”

Assisted dying is legal in the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Colombia, Canada and six American states. A Parliamentary committee has recommended a law change in the Australian state of Victoria and a similar Bill is currently being debated by South Australian legislators.

At home, the Health Select Committee received a record 21,533 submissions on the issue, indicating intense public interest in a potential law change. It is hearing more submissions at 10.00am today at Parliament.

“Local branches of EOLC/VES will hold activities in their own areas with stalls or information points set up to help people to understand the issues and urge their Members of Parliament to support enlightened legislation,” Maryan Street said.

“The right to die with dignity will be pressed home to politicians and the public around the world on Wednesday, 2 November,” said Maryan Street, President of the New Zealand group agitating for law reform in this area.

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