Compassion is Not a Crime, Says Euthanasia Campaigner

“Compassion should not be a crime,” Maryan Street, President of the Voluntary Euthanasia Society, said Friday, commenting on Suzy Austen’s appearance in court charged with aiding a suicide.

“People are compelled to take desperate measures because an antiquated law does not allow medically assisted dying for the terminally ill and suffering, even under strictly regulated conditions,” she said.

Ms Street said VES did not encourage law-breaking but the Austen case emphasised the need for a law change.

“People of sound mind, who have been fully self-determining adults during their lives, should have the right to be fully self-determining adults at the end of their life.

“Showing compassion for someone intent on making a rational decision to end their own suffering should not be cast as a crime carrying a possible 14 year prison sentence.”

Ms Street attended the Wellington District Court hearing, along with a group of voluntary euthanasia campaigners, to show solidarity with Mrs Austen, who pleaded not guilty and was remanded to July 20 for a trial by jury.

Parliament’s Health Select Committee is preparing a report on the issue of euthanasia after an inquiry which attracted more than 22,000 submissions, many calling for a law change to allow those terminally ill and suffering intolerably to end their lives peacefully in the company of loved ones.

“We will continue to represent this issue to Parliamentarians until the law is changed,” Ms Street said.

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