Will New Zealand Legalise Voluntary Euthanasia?

New Zealand could change its assisted dying laws, with MPs to debate a Bill that legalises euthanasia.

Act MP David Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill was drawn today, and will be up for debate by parliament.

The bill "gives people with a terminal illness or a grievous and irremediable medical condition the option of requesting assisted dying".
It reads, "the motivation for this Bill is compassion. It allows people who so choose… to end their lives in peace and dignity, surrounded by loved ones."

Those eligible under the Bill would have to be at least 18 years old, have a terminal illness that was likely to end their life in the next 6 months, and be experiencing "unbearable suffering that cannot be relieved in a manner that he or she considers tolerable".

To be eligible, the person would have to have two doctors satisfied that the person genuinely wishes to end their own life and has made the decision free of pressure or coercion.

The issue of assisted dying has gathered increasing profile in New Zealand. Earlier this year, VICE reported that two thirds of New Zealanders supported euthanasia in certain circumstances. The study, from University of Auckland, found 66 percent of New Zealanders were in favour of doctors being legislatively allowed to end a person's life if they're suffering for a painful incurable disease. Only 12 percent said they are strongly opposed.

The issue was hotly debated through 2015 and 2016, following the death of high-profile euthanasia campaigner Lecretia Seales. Lecretia, who had terminal brain cancer, brought her case before the courts, arguing it was her right to not be subject to cruel or degrading treatment under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act. She died just hours after her family received a negative judgment by the Wellington High Court.

Seymour, who has campaigned for some time on the euthanasia issue. He tweeted his pleasure that the Bill had been drawn:

The Bill will probably be a conscience vote.