Media Release – Care Alliance 12 July 2017
Family First Comment: The first question, released today, is ‘Why 18 years of age?’.
This question highlights the inconsistency of Mr Seymour’s argument that euthanasia is ‘compassionate’. If killing is so kind, why not make it available for children as they do in Belgium and the Netherlands? In 2013 Maryan Street said ‘Application for children with terminal illness was a bridge too far in my view at this time. That might be something that may happen in the future but not now.
The Care Alliance today launched a campaign highlighting ten key questions MPs need to ask about David Seymour’s End of Life Choice Bill.
“Mr Seymour’s bill is an extreme version of a very bad idea,” said Matthew Jansen, Secretary of the Care Alliance. “All New Zealanders need to examine it critically, especially Members of Parliament who might be asked to debate it soon.”
Mr Jansen said the Ten Questions would be progressively released over the next two weeks. The first question, released today, is ‘Why 18 years of age?’. “This question highlights the inconsistency of Mr Seymour’s argument that euthanasia is ‘compassionate’. If killing is so kind, why not make it available for children as they do in Belgium and the Netherlands?”
He noted that in 2013 Maryan Street said ‘Application for children with terminal illness was a bridge too far in my view at this time. That might be something that may happen in the future, but not now.’
“The reality is that making 18 the age of eligibility is a political calculation, rather than an ethical, legal or medical judgment,” said Mr Jansen.
ENDS
