The End-of-Life Choice Society said Tuesday it was disappointed Parliament’s Justice Select Committee’s report into assisted dying was not bolder given the overwhelming support for a law change New Zealanders have consistently shown in reputable opinion polls.

But the society’s president Maryan Street said that it was legitimate to pass the issue to the full Parliament as it will be decided on a conscience vote by MPs. She said the committee was never likely to agree on any significant recommendations on the bill.

“It is encouraging that the committee has left the policy content of the bill largely intact, with only minor, technical and consequential amendments.”

She said not all MPs will have had a chance to hear all the expert submissions on how similar laws with stringent safeguards work overseas where nearly 200 million people in Europe, North and South America – soon to be joined by the Australian state of Victoria – have enlightened assisted dying legislation.

Maryan Street said these laws work without the worst fears of scaremongers being realised. She urged MPs to reflect the majority opinion of New Zealanders, and not be influenced by deliberately misleading information designed to advance a minority agenda.

Maryan Street, President, End-of-Life Choice Society NZ

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