Podcasts about life choice bill

Brooke van Velden is the ACT Party's Deputy leader and newly minted Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations & Safety.   Before being first elected to parliament in 2020, she was instrumental in the passing of the End of Life Choice Bill in2019.   In this year's election, she ran successfully in the Tamaki electorate, beating National's Simon O'Connor to claim the seat.   She's now of course a Cabinet Minister in our new Government.   Brooke van Velden joined James Daniels and Tyler Adams for this week's Six and a Song.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month Steve Oehley speaks to deputy leader and health spokesperson for ACT, Brooke Van Velden. We discussed the balance between individual freedom and the safety of the population, why she thinks COVID restrictions imposed by the government are no longer necessary as well as touching on her work with the End of Life Choice Bill. As always, Steve aim to remain neutral and allows our guests to actually speak. You can find more about Brooke at https://www.act.org.nz/brooke_van_velden

On Friday the provisional results of our two referendums were announced - 65.2 percent of us overwhelmingly supporting the End of Life Choice referendum, with 53.1 percent saying no to the Cannabis Legalisation and Control referendum.While many celebrated or commiserated on Friday afternoon as the preliminary results were released, I did neither, I just felt a bit empty.I don't know about you, but deciding how I would vote on both the End of Life Choice Bill and the Cannabis Legalisation and Control referendums was much harder than casting my party and local electorate votes in the general election.Plenty of research went into my choices, but even now I'm not sure I got it right. What I mean, I think, is that we still have plenty of work to do to make sure each of these decisions is proved right.The End of Life Choice Bill had of course already been debated in parliament. We had time to absorb the information, understand the bill, and hear a variety of experiences and opinions from all sides of the debate. It was probably a more considered decision.Friday's result was a relief to many suffering terrible, terminal illnesses, and to those who have had to watch their loved ones suffer in unimaginable ways.I'm not convinced the law is as tight and protective of people as it could be, and I would have liked to see more resources and respect given to palliative care in New Zealand before we got to this stage, but I understand the need for others to have the choice.The vote to legalise and control cannabis was much closer – and the bill was yet to be debated in Parliament or go through select committee process. While we had an idea of how the law might look – you have to be over 20 to partake, can buy up to 14 grams of dried cannabis per day, must consume it on private property or at a licensed premise, you could grow up to two plants, etc. - I did wonder whether some people were concerned how this bill would end up looking and lacked the certainty they needed to vote yes.Such a close call makes it difficult for the government.A sizable portion of voters clearly want the government to undertake cannabis law reform. You simply can't ignore the health and justice issues that have come to light by glibly saying that the people have spoken.If this government really cares about the wellbeing of our youth, our mental health and vulnerable members of society, it will find other ways to improve the system. The big question is how far will the Labour government push this before becoming concerned about losing voters?Not very far by the sound of things.The have ruled out wider drug law reforms in the foreseeable future, but Andrew Little says current drug laws will be reviewed to ensure that people whose worst offense is drug possession are “almost automatically” given a health referral rather than having to face prosecution.According to police data, only about 10.7 per cent of people caught by police are given a health referral.Perhaps we need a clearer interpretation of the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 2019 which formally directed the police not to arrest and prosecute for use and supply.I can't help but think the referendum asked the wrong question.If the question had been to decriminalise rather than legalise I suspect more people would have come on board.There are almost half a million special votes still to be counted, but as Heather du Pleiss Allen pointed out on Friday afternoon, 67 % of those votes would have to tick yes to legalisation for the provisional referendum result to be overturned - which seems a stretch.So, why did I feel flat on Friday? Why did I not celebrate the fact things have gone the way I wanted?I think it's because we won't know if we made the best decisions for sure for some time – and the consequences are simply massive.The work to make sure we're proved right starts now, and there is much to be done. We must protect the vulnerable and be cautious when it comes to enacting the End of...

The electoral commission will release the provisional results of the two referendums voted on during the general election at 2pm on Friday. Polling told different stories before the election. The End of Life Choice Bill consistently scored between 60 and 70 percent support in the polls, while the cannabis referendum hovered between 35 and 52 percent support. Ben Strang is the RNZ cannabis referendum reporter and speaks to Corin Dann.

In our previous episode, we brought to light the political perspective on the End Of Life Choice Bill that is currently in question to the public during the 2020 NZ election. Today, we are joined by Dr Nic and Dr Art (from IMReasoning), who will be providing an in-depth medical perspective on the concept of euthanasia, as well as their opinions about the proposed bill. This episode is not sponsored, and is in NO way a means for us to push our political views onto anyone. This is simply a discussion we thought would be valuable for those interested in the topic. Share with us your thoughts on our Facebook, Instagram or YouTube channel.

Dr Janine Winter is a University of Otago bioethics researcher and palliative care physician.In 2018 Dr Winters made a submission to David Seymour's 'End of Life Choice Bill' where she stated it was "terrible" with "terminal flaws".We thought with the referendum on euthanasia now upon us, it would be good to re-visit with Dr Winters to see where she sits today, and what has happened to the legislation over the last 2 years.www.theDOC.nzwww.patreon.com/theDOCNZwww.twitter.com/patbrittenden

The NZ general election day is nearing and one of the current referendums in question is the legislation of assisted dying (The End Of Life Choice Bill). Today, we are joined by Adriana Christie (MP for TOP in Epsom), who provides us with the political perspective of the bill, so that as voters, we are all given a well-rounded insight into what assisted dying is, what are the current laws around it and why the bill (in topic) was proposed in the first place. This episode is not sponsored, and is in NO way a means for us to push our political views onto anyone. This is simply a discussion we thought would be valuable for those interested in the topic. Share with us your thoughts on our Facebook, Instagram or YouTube channel.

In this episode we speak with Te Hurinui Clarke and Rev. Chris Douglas about the End of Life Choice Bill. We have a korero about their different perspectives, and how their views are informed and shaped by te ao Māori. Summer and Aaron also talk about how to have hard conversations with love and compassion, and the importance of learning to listen well to one another, especially during this heightened election season.

This week on The Health Hub, psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald joins the show to discuss the End Of Life Choice Bill.

This week on The Health Hub, psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald joins the show to discuss the End Of Life Choice Bill.

Later this year New Zealanders will be able to cast their vote on whether euthanasia should be legal as the long-debated End of Life Choice Bill goes to referendum. Journalist Caralise Trayes interviewed lawyers, doctors, ethicists and clerics about assisted dying for her debut book The Final Choice.

Later this year New Zealanders will be able to cast their vote on whether euthanasia should be legal as the long-debated End of Life Choice Bill goes to referendum. Journalist Caralise Trayes interviewed lawyers, doctors, ethicists and clerics about assisted dying for her debut book The Final Choice.

A new study has been looking into the social consequences we might see fanning out from the End of Life Choice Bill.We vote on this at the election, along with cannabis reform and if the polls are right there's strong support.I've spoken before about my own family's experience with this.When my Dad was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and was going downhill fast, he asked if I'd go with him to Switzerland. He'd signed up with an outfit called Dignitas.In the end, he got so sick so quickly, which is unusual for MND, that they wouldn't have been able to help him.Now, I'd have gone as a sort of last service to my father, but what he hadn't done was tell anyone else about what he was planning.Big mistake.My sister was horrified, almost disgusted at the idea he wanted to bring it all to an end on his own terms. I got it, but she didn't.Look, this is an intensely personal decision, but there are other consequences I haven’t given much thought to.Stigma, which can be felt by the surviving members of the family: they didn't want it, but Granddad went ahead and did it anyway.The feeling a precedent has been set, and that they too, if and when the time comes, should consider taking that option themselves.And this is part of the point this research is making. It's not just about the person who wants to end their life.Like when you've decided you want to donate your organs if you're in an accident, you need to talk this through with your loved ones.

In this episode of Politics in Full Sentences, we look back at ACT’s achievements in 2019, including the passage of the End of Life Choice Bill, being the only party to hold Labour to account on free speech, rushed firearms law and the flawed Zero Carbon Bill, and helping to defeat Labour’s capital gains tax and radical education proposals.Free SpeechACT New ZealandPolitics in Full Sentences - Podcasts NZSchool of Practical Politics

What an extraordinary week.  Stories that have gripped and horrified the nation.  Events that have caused history.  And issues that require us to look deep into ourselves as to who we are and what we believe it.Leading the way was David Seymour's incredible success with the End of Life Choice Bill passing it's third reading.  And yet it may all come to nought. The Parliamentarians have passed the bill but now it comes to us in a referendum.  You wonder what would have happened if the third reading was the final hurdle and whether the parliamentarians would have had the courage to go forward, but we'll never know.But as Andrew Little warned this next year could get ugly, emotional and full of misinformation.  Certainly my inbox filled up immediately with anti-euthanasia press releases immediately after the vote. Andrew Little says an education campaign will be needed because he knows that your average voter is not going to plough through the legislation before casting their vote but that will also be branded propaganda.  As I said during the week it's up to every one of us to take this seriously and school ourselves up.The country has been transfixed by Grace Millane. (Photo / Supplied)We were also transfixed with the Grace Millane case.  Every day the horrors of her passing were broadcast to a slavering audience keen for details.  I had a number of emails asking why we gave such comprehensive coverage.  It's because the audience wanted it.  Grace Millane articles are setting records. We're not here to censor due to sensitivity, we're here to tell the story for those who want to hear it.At ZB, we took this all very seriously.  While some thought we were dining out on it I can tell you that we dedicated only five minutes a day of programme time to the case.  Breakfast didn't talk about it.  There was no talkback.  Our news bulletins covered it and then in the drive show our reporter recapped the day. There is no way we want to endanger this case.  But it is fair that I've heard other stations being reckless.  On your head be it if you go too far.Shane Jones also burst into life like the spasmodic volcano he is. He is an enigma. He wrote a very good piece about forestry.  He said that the billion tree programme will increase our forest area by over two per cent but he points out that because harvesting of forests it will take the proportion of forestry land back to the same level as 2006.  I don't remember it being a problem then.Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones, centre left, next to National's agricultural spokesman Todd Muller, centre right. Photo / Jason WallsBut then he goes and ruins it all but singing Tutira Mai Ngaiwi over farmers speeches and calling them rednecks.  To be fair the farmers were booing and jeering first but still, Shane, keep it under your Akubra hat.  But then remember that New Zealand First are out to spend the next year proving they're nobodies puppets so perhaps it was a calculated snub.Finally we have a story that could blow up spectacularly.  Berhouz Boochani arrived in town.  The Manus Island refugee had his first taste of freedom.  He here to speak at a festival on a strictly limited one month visitor visa granted by Immigration after an application sponsored by Amnesty International.Behrouz Boochani. Photo / Hoda AfsharBut when I talked to him on Friday I asked if he was going to go back to Papua New Guinea or travel on to the States where he has been granted status.  He wouldn't answer.  He may very well just decide to do a Zaoui and plead for asylum here. What a bed of thorns.  If he does and we accept him then Australia will be livid. If we don't and throw him out we'll be the bad guy.  Watch this one carefully.

David Seymour talks to Max Whitehead about the End of Life Choice Bill after this week passing its final reading. What does the Bill actually do, and where to from here?Free SpeechACT New ZealandPolitics in Full Sentences - Podcasts NZSchool of Practical Politics

The fight goes on for opponents after this week saw David Seymour’s End of Life Choice Bill pass. We look back on Tomorrow’s Schools as the Govt. announces the biggest schooling shake-up in decades, and New Zealand’s newest political party reckon they’ll get 10% in next year’s election. Produced and Edited by Adam Simpson Engineered by Brian Holloway Shot by Byron Radford Research by Liz Feary & Mark Hutchings A TVNZ Production

The husband of a euthanasia advocate is proud of what she did, and the sacrifice she made at the end of her life.The End of Life Choice Bill passed its third reading in Parliament last night 69 votes to 51.Lecretia Seales had brain cancer and took her campaign for assisted dying to the High Court, but died naturally in June 2015.Her husband Matt Vickers says his wife fought very hard, and since then it's been a drawn out and passionate debate."It's such a relief after almost five years to have reached something like the end goal, at least until we have the referendum next year."It is now up to the public to vote on a referendum on it next year as part of the 2020 general election.Vickers told Kate Hawkesby there's a lot of information coming out."Some of it will be misinformation, and there will be people that will want to mislead the New Zealand public into voting against this piece of legislation because of their own beliefs."He says that the law has been changed to meet the concerns that were raised about vulnerable people being abused."A person that is disabled, a person that is a person that is suffering for some sort of psychological condition, they are not going to be able to access this law, the law forbids it."Minister of Justice Andrew Little is promising the information on assisted dying will be monitored. 

As the country prepares for two potential referendums next year, there are concerns about misinformation clouding the debates.The Minister of Justice has plans in place to combat misinformation and manipulation in any campaigns leading up to, potentially, two divisive referendums at next year's election.That includes a special team within the Ministry of Justice to direct people to information aimed to be as accurate and neutral as possible, and to be on the look-out for any attempts to deliberately mislead the public.It's the first time core public servants have taken on this role, and they'll have to walk a tightrope between providing credible public information and getting drawn into any partisan debates.Voters will not only have to choose the government come 2020, but will also have their say on legalising recreational cannabis, and potentially, voluntary euthanasia.However, the man behind the euthanasia bill, David Seymour, does not think that such a team is necessary. He told The Weekend Collective that he thinks New Zealanders are well-equipped to work out "b-s"."Their going to be competing with so many sources of information trying to get attention, I'm sceptical as to how effective it can be." He says that people are already sceptical of information coming from the Government, and it may have the reverse effect of sending them to other sources.Seymour says that he is happy to have a debate about his End of Life Choice Bill based on real information. "Wisdom of crowds will win out, and we will actually be able to pass the referendum." - with content from RNZ

As the country prepares for two potential referendums next year, there are concerns about misinformation clouding the debates.The Minister of Justice has plans in place to combat misinformation and manipulation in any campaigns leading up to, potentially, two divisive referendums at next year's election.That includes a special team within the Ministry of Justice to direct people to information aimed to be as accurate and neutral as possible, and to be on the look-out for any attempts to deliberately mislead the public.It's the first time core public servants have taken on this role, and they'll have to walk a tightrope between providing credible public information and getting drawn into any partisan debates.Voters will not only have to choose the government come 2020, but will also have their say on legalising recreational cannabis, and potentially, voluntary euthanasia.However, the man behind the euthanasia bill, David Seymour, does not think that such a team is necessary. He told The Weekend Collective that he thinks New Zealanders are well-equipped to work out "b-s"."Their going to be competing with so many sources of information trying to get attention, I'm sceptical as to how effective it can be." He says that people are already sceptical of information coming from the Government, and it may have the reverse effect of sending them to other sources.Seymour says that he is happy to have a debate about his End of Life Choice Bill based on real information. "Wisdom of crowds will win out, and we will actually be able to pass the referendum." - with content from RNZ

As the country prepares for two potential referendums next year, there are concerns about misinformation clouding the debates.The Minister of Justice has plans in place to combat misinformation and manipulation in any campaigns leading up to, potentially, two divisive referendums at next year's election.That includes a special team within the Ministry of Justice to direct people to information aimed to be as accurate and neutral as possible, and to be on the look-out for any attempts to deliberately mislead the public.It's the first time core public servants have taken on this role, and they'll have to walk a tightrope between providing credible public information and getting drawn into any partisan debates.Voters will not only have to choose the government come 2020, but will also have their say on legalising recreational cannabis, and potentially, voluntary euthanasia.However, the man behind the euthanasia bill, David Seymour, does not think that such a team is necessary. He told The Weekend Collective that he thinks New Zealanders are well-equipped to work out "b-s"."Their going to be competing with so many sources of information trying to get attention, I'm sceptical as to how effective it can be." He says that people are already sceptical of information coming from the Government, and it may have the reverse effect of sending them to other sources.Seymour says that he is happy to have a debate about his End of Life Choice Bill based on real information. "Wisdom of crowds will win out, and we will actually be able to pass the referendum." - with content from RNZ

Chris Lynch was joined by Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration Megan Woods and Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey for this week's edition of Politics Friday. They discussed the government's announcement to create a standalone Crown entity to regulate drinking water in New Zealand, working with farmers to reduce farming emissions and the vote to put the End of Life Choice Bill to a referendum. 

It was a very strange commute to work today.Coming in from the west on my motorcycle I stopped across the valley from the burning Sky City Convention Centre. It was a scene from an apocalypse. Four jets of water from snorkels from four corners of the building. Orange Flames to the south and the city shrouded in smokeSo I stopped and took a photo that I’ve now posted on my Facebook page and then I marvelled at the fact that I was driving voluntarily towards that.Because our studios are about 150 metres from this fire. But because of the vicious sou’wester the city is being battered with we are clear of smoke and danger.It’s bizarre because this morning a lawyer friend messaged me. Even though his office is half a kilometre away to the East. Far away really but  the strong wind has blown smoke right at his building which has been closed as a health hazard.When I arrived at work I went to the corner and looked up Nelson Street.  There I was at nearly the base of the fire fighting efforts. I took a video which I’ve also posted on Facebook.  And due to the wind I was soaked by water from the snorkel blown back to the North.A few moments ago when I took a last look I saw water jets being aimed away from the building but such was the wind the water was being blown back on the roof fire.It is extreme conditions for firefighting. Storms and rain and gales and hail and high temperatures and difficult access and it’s been going on for 24 hours now.And it’s impact will be felt for years. Such a disaster. It’s no Notre Dame. But don’t underestimate it. Just the cost of rehousing all the Sky City Hotel guests will be massive. It’s a piece of infrastructure Auckland has waited for forever and now it’s delayed again.Today we have the next stage of Act Leader David Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill. Politicians will have to decide whether the final decision should be put to the public in a referendum if it passes a third reading. This is a New Zealand First clause.  If a referendum is not granted then the bill itself may wither on the vine as NZ First does not support the decision being in the hand of politicians alone.But this morning an interesting point was made. These sorts of votes are conscience votes.  This morning we heard that politicians like Stuart Nash and Mark Mitchell have canvassed or polled their electorate to find out how their people feel.But half our politicians are list MPs. Voted in by party committees. Who do they consult? Whose conscience do they represent other than their own.  They can’t vote on party lines because that’s the entire point of a conscience vote.It raises a question as to whether list MPs have a right to a conscience vote or whether conscience votes are unworkable in a MMP environment.   

This week in Politics in Full Sentences, businessman, entrepreneur and humanitarian Kenyon Clarke talks about business, housing, and succeeding against tough odds. He recovered from the Great Financial Crisis by building a world class company to tackle the housing crisis. Kenyon shares how he came through those tough times, and what is needed to get more New Zealanders into homes now. He also opens up on why he supports the End of Life Choice Bill, and others should too. Added in is all the usual reviews of the political week, the Rugby World Cup licensing hours, and why David Seymour doesn’t get invited to the Police Minister’s birthday. Freedom to Speak - ACT's campaign for Freedom of Expression: Free Speech ACT New Zealand Politics in Full Sentences - Podcasts NZ School of Practical Politics

Hastening our death: do we need to legalise assisted suicide, and why do so many people feel so strongly about this issue? Main text quoted: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

Professor Stephen Munn speaks on the End of Life Choice Bill. Message concludes at 38:00, and is followed by a Q&A session.

In this new edition of Gone By Lunchtime, Toby Manhire, Annabelle Lee-Mather and Ben Thomas weigh reshuffles in senior ranks of both the big parties as well as Oranga Tamariki and David Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill. Plus: a desperate plea to listeners.Podding against the clock, aka Annabelle's stopwatch, the Gone By Lunchtime trio reshuffle their portfolios, look at Jacinda Ardern's demotion of Phil Twyford from the big housing job and Amy Adams' decision to chuck in the old politics lark.Also on the slate: Oranga Tamariki and the uplift scandal, and the progression of legislation that would allow assisted dying to its third reading.Oh, and do you fancy writing us a jingle? It's time for a change. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A busy week as Amy Adams shuffles out, Gabriel Makhlouf shuffles off, and Phil Twyford is shuffled sideways. Also, where to now for the End of Life Choice Bill after passing it’s 2nd reading in Parliament.

National MP Maggie Barry hopes she has the support to vote down the End of Life Choice Bill tonight.David Seymour's assisted dying bill is scheduled for its second reading debate at 7.30pm, with a vote expected around 10pm.As currently drafted, the bill would allow New Zealanders to request assisted dying if they have a terminal illness or suffer from "a grievous and irremediable medical condition".The bill passed its first reading by a massive 76-44 margin in December 2017, but MPs opposing the bill predict a dramatically tighter margin of less than five votes on the second reading.Barry told Kate Hawkesby that there are still a few MPs who haven't made up their minds.She said the vote was really close, "probably too close to call at the moment"."But we have come a long way from 76 in favour of the bill and 44 against. The gap has narrowed."Barry, a MP for the North Shore, fundamentally opposes the bill and has proposed 120 amendments – that means a third reading once all the amendments are looked at will likely be a year away.She said that many of them cover cultural considerations for the likes of Māori, Pasifika and Muslims."The Muslim community came out yesterday and said they were completely against the euthanasia assisted suicide bill and are asking the people to stop it."So we will take into account their cultural considerations and put together supplementary order papers – each one of which can take many hours to debate."Another consideration was the medicalisation of euthanasia and whether doctors and health professionals are comfortable being involved."Removing doctors and health professionals from the process of injecting people with lethal toxins, that is certainly going to be a very concentrated part of our supplementary order papers," she said.Barry said there were a phenomenal amount of loop holes with the bill, and no protections for the vulnerable.She said that if the bill was to pass and assisted suicide and euthanasia was legal, a slippery slope around the criteria would begin."Less than five per cent of the world's jurisdictions have gone down the euthanasia track and changed their laws."The vast majority won't have a bar of it and I am quietly hopeful New Zealand won't either."We have wasted thousands of hours on it, it's not fit for purpose and it's not fit to be a law."It is a dreadful bill and there are those of us in parliament that know it really well, and we will do whatever we can to stop it progressing because it will have a terrible affect on the deaths of our most vulnerable people."There aren't safe guards and that is what worries me."Earlier this week 1000 doctors signed a letter saying they "want no part in assisted suicide".They urged politicians and policy-makers to let them focus on saving lives and care for the dying, rather than taking lives, which they deemed unethical - whether legal or not.The doctors said they were "committed to the concept of death with dignity and comfort", including effective pain relief and excellence in palliative care. And they uphold the right of patients to decline treatment.But the 1000-strong group said it believed "physician assisted suicide and euthanasia are unethical, even if they were made legal".However, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said yesterday she'll be backing a the bill legalising assisted dying in order to let individuals make their own choices."It's been my view that while there are a range of strongly held beliefs, and people have the right to hold those, I ultimately want people to make their own individual decisions," she told reporters."The best way I can do that is by enabling them to have that choice and by voting in favour." 

The End of Life Choice Bill goes to vote in parliament this week - we are joined by Dr Stefanie Green, one of Canada’s leading experts in medically assisted dying - as well as two terminally ill New Zealanders with very different perspectives on the bill.We travel to the US, where Washington Post reporter Jenna Johnson shares her hot takes on the United States democratic primaries. Who will take on Trump?Are we going to miss our targets? Reporter John-Michael Swannix asks why there was nothing in the budget for electric vehicles.And to discuss the highs and lows of the week in politics, we are joined by Maxim Institute CEO Alex Penk, Newsroom’s senior political reporter Laura Walters, and national communications lead for Hapai Te Hauora, Emma Espiner.

One thousand doctors have signed a letter saying they "want no part in assisted suicide".They have urged politicians and policy-makers to let them focus on saving lives and care for the dying, rather than taking lives, which they deemed unethical - whether legal or not.The letter comes as Parliament is due to start the second reading debate on Act MP David Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill on Wednesday.The doctors said they were "committed to the concept of death with dignity and comfort", including effective pain relief and excellence in palliative care. And they uphold the right of patients to decline treatment.Pacific Island people opposing the End of Life Bill at Parliament. Photo / Mark MitchellBut the 1000-strong group said it believed "physician assisted suicide and euthanasia are unethical, even if they were made legal"."We believe that crossing the line to intentionally assist a person to die would fundamentally weaken the doctor-patient relationship which is based on trust and respect," the letter reads."We are especially concerned with protecting vulnerable people who can feel they have become a burden to others, and we are committed to supporting those who find their own life situations a heavy burden."Finishing, they said: "Doctors are not necessary in the regulation or practice of assisted suicide. They are included only to provide a cloak of medical legitimacy.1000 doctors put their weight behind full-page advertisement opposing Act leader's bill."Leave doctors to focus on saving lives and providing real care to the dying."The letter - along with 1000 names of the doctors who support it - has been published as a full-page advertisement in today's Herald on Sunday.The advert was taken out by the Care Alliance, a charitable trust committed to nurturing better conversations about dying in New Zealand, according to the website: doctorssayno.nzIt lists the names of all the doctors who have supported the letter, and urges others to sign up too.The letter publication comes after a Canadian doctor who has taken part in champagne parties before administering lethal drugs to her patients urged Kiwi MPs to support the vote to legalise euthanasia.Dr Stefanie Green says 90 per cent of her medical practice has become euthanasing people since Canada legalised euthanasia in 2016. Photo / SuppliedDr Stefanie Green, who has personally euthanised 150 people since Canada legalised assisted dying in 2016, has been brought here by the End of Life Choice Society.The bill passed its first reading by a massive 76-44 margin in December 2017, but MPs opposing the bill predict a dramatically tighter margin of less than five votes on the second reading.Seymour says the second reading debate is likely to start at 7.30pm on Wednesday, with a vote expected around 10pm.Green, a former maternity doctor, said she stepped up to help people wanting to end their lives because other doctors were unwilling to do it after Canada legalised euthanasia. Euthanising people is now 90 per cent of her practice."We have had about 8000 assisted deaths, with no charges against any physicians for any abuse of the system," she said.Patients had to meet "rigorous criteria", she said, and about a third of people who requested euthanasia did not receive it.But she said the actual deaths for those who were approved were usually in "a very beautiful environment"."For some people it's quiet, and for some people we've had 50 people and champagne - quite often there is champagne," she said."There is often a celebration of life just before the death. Assisted death enables people to have a chance to say goodbye to their loved ones and for their loved ones to say goodbye to them."David Seymour plans to amend his bill to allow euthanasia only for those who will die anyway within six months. Photo / FileAs currently drafted, Seymour's bill would allow New Zealanders to request assisted dying if they have a terminal illness or suffer fr...

One thousand doctors have signed a letter saying they "want no part in assisted suicide".They have urged politicians and policy-makers to let them focus on saving lives and care for the dying, rather than taking lives, which they deemed unethical - whether legal or not.The letter comes as Parliament is due to start the second reading debate on Act MP David Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill on Wednesday.The doctors said they were "committed to the concept of death with dignity and comfort", including effective pain relief and excellence in palliative care. And they uphold the right of patients to decline treatment.Pacific Island people opposing the End of Life Bill at Parliament. Photo / Mark MitchellBut the 1000-strong group said it believed "physician assisted suicide and euthanasia are unethical, even if they were made legal"."We believe that crossing the line to intentionally assist a person to die would fundamentally weaken the doctor-patient relationship which is based on trust and respect," the letter reads."We are especially concerned with protecting vulnerable people who can feel they have become a burden to others, and we are committed to supporting those who find their own life situations a heavy burden."Finishing, they said: "Doctors are not necessary in the regulation or practice of assisted suicide. They are included only to provide a cloak of medical legitimacy.1000 doctors put their weight behind full-page advertisement opposing Act leader's bill."Leave doctors to focus on saving lives and providing real care to the dying."The letter - along with 1000 names of the doctors who support it - has been published as a full-page advertisement in today's Herald on Sunday.The advert was taken out by the Care Alliance, a charitable trust committed to nurturing better conversations about dying in New Zealand, according to the website: doctorssayno.nzIt lists the names of all the doctors who have supported the letter, and urges others to sign up too.The letter publication comes after a Canadian doctor who has taken part in champagne parties before administering lethal drugs to her patients urged Kiwi MPs to support the vote to legalise euthanasia.Dr Stefanie Green says 90 per cent of her medical practice has become euthanasing people since Canada legalised euthanasia in 2016. Photo / SuppliedDr Stefanie Green, who has personally euthanised 150 people since Canada legalised assisted dying in 2016, has been brought here by the End of Life Choice Society.The bill passed its first reading by a massive 76-44 margin in December 2017, but MPs opposing the bill predict a dramatically tighter margin of less than five votes on the second reading.Seymour says the second reading debate is likely to start at 7.30pm on Wednesday, with a vote expected around 10pm.Green, a former maternity doctor, said she stepped up to help people wanting to end their lives because other doctors were unwilling to do it after Canada legalised euthanasia. Euthanising people is now 90 per cent of her practice."We have had about 8000 assisted deaths, with no charges against any physicians for any abuse of the system," she said.Patients had to meet "rigorous criteria", she said, and about a third of people who requested euthanasia did not receive it.But she said the actual deaths for those who were approved were usually in "a very beautiful environment"."For some people it's quiet, and for some people we've had 50 people and champagne - quite often there is champagne," she said."There is often a celebration of life just before the death. Assisted death enables people to have a chance to say goodbye to their loved ones and for their loved ones to say goodbye to them."David Seymour plans to amend his bill to allow euthanasia only for those who will die anyway within six months. Photo / FileAs currently drafted, Seymour's bill would allow New Zealanders to request assisted dying if they hav...

One thousand doctors have signed a letter saying they "want no part in assisted suicide".They have urged politicians and policy-makers to let them focus on saving lives and care for the dying, rather than taking lives, which they deemed unethical - whether legal or not.The letter comes as Parliament is due to start the second reading debate on Act MP David Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill on Wednesday.The doctors said they were "committed to the concept of death with dignity and comfort", including effective pain relief and excellence in palliative care. And they uphold the right of patients to decline treatment.Pacific Island people opposing the End of Life Bill at Parliament. Photo / Mark MitchellBut the 1000-strong group said it believed "physician assisted suicide and euthanasia are unethical, even if they were made legal"."We believe that crossing the line to intentionally assist a person to die would fundamentally weaken the doctor-patient relationship which is based on trust and respect," the letter reads."We are especially concerned with protecting vulnerable people who can feel they have become a burden to others, and we are committed to supporting those who find their own life situations a heavy burden."Finishing, they said: "Doctors are not necessary in the regulation or practice of assisted suicide. They are included only to provide a cloak of medical legitimacy.1000 doctors put their weight behind full-page advertisement opposing Act leader's bill."Leave doctors to focus on saving lives and providing real care to the dying."The letter - along with 1000 names of the doctors who support it - has been published as a full-page advertisement in today's Herald on Sunday.The advert was taken out by the Care Alliance, a charitable trust committed to nurturing better conversations about dying in New Zealand, according to the website: doctorssayno.nzIt lists the names of all the doctors who have supported the letter, and urges others to sign up too.The letter publication comes after a Canadian doctor who has taken part in champagne parties before administering lethal drugs to her patients urged Kiwi MPs to support the vote to legalise euthanasia.Dr Stefanie Green says 90 per cent of her medical practice has become euthanasing people since Canada legalised euthanasia in 2016. Photo / SuppliedDr Stefanie Green, who has personally euthanised 150 people since Canada legalised assisted dying in 2016, has been brought here by the End of Life Choice Society.The bill passed its first reading by a massive 76-44 margin in December 2017, but MPs opposing the bill predict a dramatically tighter margin of less than five votes on the second reading.Seymour says the second reading debate is likely to start at 7.30pm on Wednesday, with a vote expected around 10pm.Green, a former maternity doctor, said she stepped up to help people wanting to end their lives because other doctors were unwilling to do it after Canada legalised euthanasia. Euthanising people is now 90 per cent of her practice."We have had about 8000 assisted deaths, with no charges against any physicians for any abuse of the system," she said.Patients had to meet "rigorous criteria", she said, and about a third of people who requested euthanasia did not receive it.But she said the actual deaths for those who were approved were usually in "a very beautiful environment"."For some people it's quiet, and for some people we've had 50 people and champagne - quite often there is champagne," she said."There is often a celebration of life just before the death. Assisted death enables people to have a chance to say goodbye to their loved ones and for their loved ones to say goodbye to them."David Seymour plans to amend his bill to allow euthanasia only for those who will die anyway within six months. Photo / FileAs currently drafted, Seymour's bill would allow New Zealanders to request assisted dying if they hav...

A number of high-profile lawyers have come together in order to highlight their concerns over the End of Life choice bill. After 16 months, the Select Committee discussing the End of Life Choice Bill, tabled by David Seymour, released their report. The only consensus it found was that cannot agree on most major recommendations.Advocacy group Lawyers for Vulnerable New Zealanders unanimously reject the Bill, claiming that the law is poorly written and opens the door for coercion against patients. Spokesperson Richard McLeod joined the Weekend Collective to discuss the bill and why the law as written is fundamne

A number of high-profile lawyers have come together in order to highlight their concerns over the End of Life choice bill. After 16 months, the Select Committee discussing the End of Life Choice Bill, tabled by David Seymour, released their report. The only consensus it found was that cannot agree on most major recommendations.Advocacy group Lawyers for Vulnerable New Zealanders unanimously reject the Bill, claiming that the law is poorly written and opens the door for coercion against patients. Spokesperson Richard McLeod joined the Weekend Collective to discuss the bill and why the law as written is fundamne

A number of high-profile lawyers have come together in order to highlight their concerns over the End of Life choice bill. After 16 months, the Select Committee discussing the End of Life Choice Bill, tabled by David Seymour, released their report. The only consensus it found was that cannot agree on most major recommendations.Advocacy group Lawyers for Vulnerable New Zealanders unanimously reject the Bill, claiming that the law is poorly written and opens the door for coercion against patients. Spokesperson Richard McLeod joined the Weekend Collective to discuss the bill and why the law as written is fundamne

The euthanasia debate will be left up to our politicians.After 16 months, the Select Committee discussing the End of Life Choice Bill, tabled by David Seymour, cannot agree on many major recommendations.The Act Party leader will spend the next six weeks drumming up support for it.Otago University research fellow, Jessica Young, told Kate Hawkesby it's a shame that after all the committee will have learnt through the process, not to have their expertise on how to improve the bill."However, it's not particularly surprising given the constituents of the committee that they couldn't come to some consensus."Young said Select Committees normally focus on improving technical aspects of conscience issues, rather than recommending changes.

A series of public debates start tonight to discuss moves to legalise euthanasia, as new figures show a huge majority of people are against the idea.More than 90 per cent of Kiwis who made submissions on the euthanasia bill say no to assisted dying.The Care Alliance analysed virtually all of the more than 38,000 submissions made to Parliament's justice select committee on Act leader David Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill.And the Prime Minister has flown almost ten and a half thousand kilometres to Beijing, in an attempt to defrost the relationship with China.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Lynch caught up with National Party Leader Simon Bridges about Capital Gains Tax, his thoughts on the End of Life Choice Bill and the issue of water in Christchurch.

A former Prime Minister is campaigning against the End of Life Choice Bill, saying it is dangerous and is parliament-sanctioned killing.Sir Bill English was at a meeting that was held in Rangiora last night, one of many held to discuss David Seymour's Member's Bill.It proposes people with terminal illness be able to request assisted dying.Sir Bill told Chris Lynch that he has become more convinced about how dangerous the bill is."You have this discussion about the compassion of how to support people when they are dying, but Parliament and the MPs of Christchurch now have to write a set of rules to do something that they have not done before, which is to give permission to a small group of doctors to be able to kill people who have asked to be killed."He says when the rules are full of hazards. Sir Bill believes it could make New Zealand a dangerous place to be old and confused, disabled, or young and suicidal."How do we tell young people not to consider suicide as a solution to their depression on the one hand, but on the other, but then say to if you ask for euthanasia, the state will organise it and provide a doctor."When asked if he was scaremongering, Sir Bill says that he isn't as the legislation features broad, non-medical criteria that will allow people to utilise it."People have approached this with the mind of trying to alleviate suffering, and that's quite a legitimate and powerful driver. The reason we haven't gone down this path before is because taking the next step, which is we can now sanction a doctor to kill you, is rife for dangers for everyone else."Sir Bill says that some generally well-educated people want control over the end of their lives, but those with disabilities who are in vulnerable position."They know that if the definition includes them, then that diminishes them, it puts them at risk."Proponents of the bill on social media have questioned whether Sir Bill has ever been in a position where he has witnessed a loved one suffer.The former Prime Minister says that medical experts who were also at the debate last night say that they have only seen a few cases where people were in an untenable position.He says his religion (Sir Bill is Catholic) helps shape his views, but that his opposition is on the fact you can't make this safe."Parliament has turned this down several times, because its impossible to write legislation that enables choice for a few in a way that makes it safe for everyone else."Sir Bill says that it is like having a rugby game without a referee as there are no consequences.He says that a lot of the things that people consider to be assisted dying can already happen, as people can deny treatment if they no longer wish to live. He fears that passing the bill would put pressure on older people when they reach a certain stage of life to take it up. 

Dr Janine Winter is a University of Otago bioethics researcher and palliative care physician.Recently Dr Winters made a submission to David Seymour's 'End of Life Choice Bill' where she stated it was "terrible" with "terminal flaws"."As a doctor, I would never want to participate in hastening death. It's one of the reasons I'm able to do the work that I do in palliative medicine. It allows me to sleep at night that I allow a natural process to occur."We talk end of life, bioethics, suicide and euthanasia================Youtube https://goo.gl/uLs7j5Spotify https://goo.gl/zYQUhCiTuneshttps://goo.gl/rMFT7FStitcherhttps://goo.gl/GQkfpS

End of Life Choice Bill & 7 Years since the Christchurch Earthquake Synopsis: Kenny speaks with David Seymour, Leader of the ACT Party about the End of Life Choice Bill, and then to Andrew Turner, Deputy Mayor of Christchurch about the seven year anniversary of the Christchurch Earthquake. Guests: David Seymour, Andrew Turner

Act Party Leader David Seymour was in studio with Chris Lynch to discuss his private members Bill, the End of Life Choice Bill which will give people who are terminally ill, or grievously injured and in unbearable pain the right to choose to to end their life. The phone lines were opened and David answered questions from listeners on the Bill. 

Act Party Leader David Seymour was in studio with Chris Lynch to discuss his private members Bill, the End of Life Choice Bill which will give people who are terminally ill, or grievously injured and in unbearable pain the right to choose to to end their life. The phone lines were opened and David answered questions from listeners on the Bill. 

Chris Lynch caught up with Act MP David Seymour ahead of his public talk about his End of Life Choice Bill in Christchurch this evening.

Chris Lynch caught up with Act MP David Seymour ahead of his public talk about his End of Life Choice Bill in Christchurch this evening.

With voluntary euthanasia due to be debated in the next parliamentary session, Alex Perrottet speaks to supporters and those opposed to the End of Life Choice Bill.

ACT's Seymour speaks about his End of Life Choice Bill after it was pulled from the ballot. Read more ($): https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/its-time-has-come-seymour-end-life-choice-bill-jw-203925

End of Life Choice Bill & Timebanking Synopsis: Kenny talks to Renee Joubert about the End of Life Choice Bill and later in Ken’s People we speak to Robin Arnold about her work to empower and motivate everyday Kiwis. Guests: Renee Joubert, Robin Arnold

As the election draws closer Helen talks to Dr Rawiri McKree-Jansen about what health equality means and asks his opinion on the End of Life Choice Bill.