A strong majority of New Zealand voters approved the legalisation of assisted suicide and euthanasia for the terminally ill on October 30. Foes of legalisation said many voters appeared confused about the measure’s far-reaching effects and warned that the move will have consequences for the vulnerable.
The nationwide referendum passed with support from 65% of voters on Friday. It allows terminally ill persons who are believed to have six months or fewer to live to be euthanised or to take a lethal dose of prescribed drugs themselves, on the condition that two doctors agree the person is well-informed.
Patients are eligible if they show significant, ongoing decline in physical ability and experience “unbearable suffering that cannot be eased”. The law will take effect on November 6, 2021.
Opponent
Legalisation opponent Euthanasia-Free NZ said some 80% of adult New Zealanders appeared to misunderstand the referendum. Only 20% knew the act would not make it legal to turn off life support machines. Such a practice is not illegal under current law.
“It seems that most New Zealanders voted for an end-of-life choice that is in fact already legal,” Renée Joubert, executive officer of Euthanasia-Free NZ, said on October 30.
Opponents of the act included the New Zealand Medical Association, Hospice New Zealand, Palliative Care Nurses and Palliative Medicine Doctors.