The Euthanasia Referendum
Euthanasia is a complex and emotive issue. People on both sides of the debate feel strongly about it.
It is the view of this church that euthanasia is morally wrong, and that this Bill has insufficient safeguards. You can read our submission to the Justice Select Committee.
Any material included here that advocates for euthanasia is included simply for your understanding, not because we are neutral on this issue.
Key Resources
The End Of Life Choices Bill (NZ Parliament)
20 Reasons To Vote No. Download the pdf version to give away. (Reject Assisted Suicide)
Q&A Briefing Paper (Reject Assisted Suicide)
Quick Facts: Euthanasia and Assisted Dying (Nathaniel Centre)
Euthanasia Referendum: The arguments for and against legalising assisted dying (Stuff)
The Final Choice by Caralise Trayes
Be informed before you vote.
Caralyse is a journalist who has investigated the truth around assisted dying and the End Of Life Choice Act.
At all good bookshops or order here.
Understanding Euthanasia
Understanding what euthanasia is, and the ethical question around it, is important for us to have an informed vote.
Read information on these more general issues.
Understanding The End Of Life Choice Act
N.B. The End Of Life Choice Act has been passed by our parliament but on the condition of a binding referendum. It's future is in our hands. We must be informed.
Assisted Dying In New Zealand And 2019 Developments - a parliamentary research paper giving an overview of euthanasia in New Zealand.
End Of Life Choices Bill - parliamentary background material on the Bill including the text of the Bill itself.
Understanding The End Of Life Choice Act (Care Alliance)
Also
Newshub Nations Euthanasia debate - David Seymour, Dr Sinead Donnelly
Opposing Euthanasia
The Care Alliance chairperson, Sinead Donnelly, has written an editorial in Issue 60 of The Nathaniel Report
See the whole playlist of New Zealanders speaking up against euthanasia.
See also Claire Freeman's blog
Note these resources in particular:
20 Reasons To Vote No (including a downloadable pdf version)
Killing Me Softly (2014 report on euthanasia)
Issue 60 of The Nathaniel Report contains the following:
An editorial on euthanasia by Sinead Donnelly (p.3)
The Religious leaders' Statement (see below as well) (p.5)
There are plenty more videos on this site.
to see how much you know about the legislation.
The group behind this is made up of 22 members who are professionally qualified in medicine, hospice and palliative care, nursing, law, disability, ethics, advocacy, and social policy. This organisation is not aligned to other religious, civic or professional organisations.
Toolkit For Advocacy Against Legalisation Of Assisted Suicide
Wendi Wicks' Hard-Hitting Oral Testimony Against NZ End Of Life Choice Bill
See also the Disability Rights Commissioner's comments below
Other comment from, or on behalf of, disabled people
New Zealand's Euthanasia Bill is A Step Into The Unknown For Disabled People - Wendi Wicks (the Guardian)
Disabled People Petition parliament To Amend Euthanasia Bill - (Scoop)
Opposition From Professional Groups
Hospice New Zealand
NZ Medical Association (N.B. the NZMA does not represent all doctors)
Doctors Say No
The Disability Rights Commissioner
Lawyers for Vulnerable New Zealanders
Christian Opposition
Interchurch Bioethics Council
Other websites
Lawyers For Vulnerable New Zealanders