Monthly Archives

August 2017

Specialist to enhance palliative services at hospice in Nelson

By | Recent News

Stuff co.nz 28 August 2017
Family First Comment: Care – not killing.
Hospice is often thought of as a final refuge; a place where people spend their last days.
But as the service evolves it is offering much more than that.
Nelson Tasman Hospice’s first palliative medicine specialist Dr Jodie Battley said late-stage care was still a core part of the service, but it was now involved with patients much earlier.
That allowed staff to build relationships with patients and their families.
“The big message is that we can help you live well with limited time, it’s all about quality of life.”
Battley said the research showed that early integration of palliative care with oncology and other services meant better outcomes for people.
“These patients do better in terms of quality of life, symptom control and satisfaction with their care.”
READ MORE: https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/96076740/specialist-to-enhance-palliative-services-at-hospice-in-nelson
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‘Value Your Vote’ Election Resource Launched

By | Media Releases

Media Release 13 Aug 2017
For the fourth successive election, Family First NZ has launched their Value Your Vote resource to inform voters leading up to the September election.

Value Your Vote records how existing MP’s have voted over the past five terms on controversial issues with a focus on votes related to marriage, parenting, and other key social issues. It also makes an important projection on how existing MPs are likely to vote on the upcoming euthanasia and medicinal marijuana bills,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.

“We believe that the issues of the economy, education, health, housing, and law and order are significant. But focusing on economics and other issues while ignoring social values will actually make society’s present problems worse, not better. Research proves that the strength of marriage and family has a major impact on the strength of our nation and the rates of child poverty, child abuse, costs of welfare, and an ordered civil society. Over the past 15 years, there have been a number of law changes voted on by our politicians specifically impacting the welfare of Kiwi families and the role of parents. Marriage has been increasingly devalued.”

There is also a survey of the party leaders’ views and voting intentions on 38 issues including the definition of marriage, income splitting, decriminalisation of abortion, euthanasia & marijuana, ‘gender identity’ in schools, Easter trading laws, same-sex adoption, paid parental leave, broadcasting standards, and many more.

“In a new feature for this election, we have asked all the major parties what their official party policy is regarding the crucial issues of marriage, the anti-smacking law, abortion, euthanasia, marijuana, gender ‘identity’, sex education in schools & parental notification, and others,” says Mr McCoskrie.

This resource was available at the last election in 2014 (and also in 2011 & 2008) and was very popular with over 100,000 page views on the website, and more than 150,000 brochures distributed throughout the country. 80,000 copies have already been ordered.

“Family First New Zealand does not endorse or oppose candidates or parties for elective office, but this resource offers an important perspective on each candidate and party in matters important to families. We are pleased to offer this guide as a helpful resource to aid you in making an informed decision when you vote this September.”

DOWNLOAD THE 16-PAGE PAMPHLET
OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.ValueYourVote.nz

Voluntary euthanasia bill won't be debated before election

By | Recent News

TVNZ One News 10 August 2017
Family First Comment: Oh dear. How sad. Never mind. We will survive  😊
http://www.rejectassistedsuicide.nz
David Seymour’s voluntary euthanasia bill won’t be debated before parliament is dissolved on August 22.
Yesterday was the last member’s bill day before dissolution and it was nowhere near the top of the agenda for a first reading.

When the End of Life Bill bill was drawn from the ballot in June Mr Seymour suspected there would be delaying tactics.
He knew neither of the main parties wanted the polarising, controversial issue of voluntary euthanasia to get in the way of their election campaigns.
“I suspect you will find MPs will find enormous passion for enormously important bills they’ve previously never heard of,” he said.
The bill proposes allowing voluntary euthanasia under strict conditions.
Whether it gets past it’s first reading will be decided by a conscience vote in the next parliament.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/voluntary-euthanasia-bill-wont-debated-before-election

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Simon O'Connor: Why we didn't back euthanasia bill

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NZ Herald 10 August 2017
Family First Comment: Superb commentary. Thank you Simon.
Throughout this term of Parliament it has been my privilege to serve as chair of the health committee. Over the last two years, it has been my responsibility to lead the inquiry into assisted suicide and euthanasia as requested by a petition to Parliament.

I led a group of dedicated MPs from a cross-section of parties in listening to what New Zealanders had to say about this difficult but important subject. I felt it was essential that I maintained an unbiased, even-handed process, though I made no secret of my own personal concerns about the topic.

From the outset, I believed it was important for all those concerned to know my opinion so that they could watch me and ensure that I behaved in a fair manner towards all sides and I have appreciated the statements by MPs and by the petitioner acknowledging my professional impartiality.

Over 21,000 New Zealanders wrote to the committee with their own thoughts on assisted dying and euthanasia. Of those, 944 people spoke to us in person over 108 hours of hearings. This inquiry was the largest ever undertaken by a New Zealand Parliament and was the largest, most public discussion ever held on this topic.

Now that the investigation is complete, now that all of the submitters have been heard, and the report has been written by the health committee as a whole, I feel I can finally say a few words myself.
Before entering Parliament I spent years studying ethics and philosophy at university, particularly around human rights. Some might see these fields as impractical but they prepared me well for this investigation. My extensive readings, lectures, and discussions formed the basis of my objection to assisted suicide.

I entered this investigation willing to hear evidence from all sides and was prepared to consider new arguments if they were presented. Unfortunately, the arguments in favour of assisted suicide and euthanasia are not terribly well-reasoned. They rely heavily on emotional experiences and intense ideologies. These are not the best foundations for building laws, but they are important and they do deserve to be heard.
READ MORE: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11900872

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Hospice NZ release on the report

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Media Release – Hospice NZ 4 August 2017
Hospice NZ has welcomed the report of the Health Select Committee’s investigation into the desire to end one’s life, which was tabled in the House earlier this week.
“We support the committee’s comments urging the Government to find ways to raise awareness of the benefits of palliative care and address equity of access and funding across hospital, residential aged care, community services and hospice.”  Says Mary Schumacher, CEO of Hospice NZ.
“We are aware that not all people are aware of or access palliative care services and therefore may not get the support they need at the end of their lives which has been confirmed by the Committee’s report.”
“Death is still a taboo subject in our society, many people fear discuss death and dying, but in reality, it’s a natural part of the life process.   Preparing and expressing your wishes to family can be hugely beneficial.” Said Ms Schumacher.
“The huge number of submissions the Committee received and considered shows the interest and concern for end of life issues that exists in the community as well as the divergence of opinion on this subject.”
Hospice NZ applauds the process and thanks the Committee for the strong endorsement of palliative care services and suggestions to Government.

No advice from assisted dying report

By | Recent News

NewsHub 2 August 2017
Not a single recommendation has been made by Parliament’s health select committee after hearing more than 21,000 submissions on public attitudes toward legalising assisted dying.
Four in five people who contacted the committee during an investigation of public attitudes toward euthanasia legislation were opposed to the idea.
The committee has spent several years investigating public views toward assisted dying for the terminally ill and those with irreversible conditions, based on a petition by former Labour MP Maryan Street.
In a report released on Wednesday the committee, chaired by Simon O’Connor, concluded any decision on the issue would generally be a conscience vote.
Of the 80 percent opposed to legislation that would legalise medically-assisted euthanasia, the report concluded they were primarily concerned about endangering the public.
“They cited concern for vulnerable people, such as the elderly and disabled, those with mental illness, and those susceptible to coercion,” the report says.
“Others argued that life has an innate value and that introducing assisted dying and euthanasia would explicitly undermine that idea.”
READ MORE: http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/health/2017/08/no-advice-from-assisted-dying-report.html

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Care Alliance Welcomes Health Select Committee Report

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Media Release – Care Alliance 2 August 2017
The Care Alliance has welcomed the report of the Health Select Committee’s investigation into the desire to end one’s life, which was tabled in the House today.
“The Committee received nearly 22,000 unique written submissions and heard nearly 1,000 oral submissions,” said Matthew Jansen, Secretary of the Care Alliance. “While eighty percent of those submissions were opposed to the legalisation of euthanasia, the report is a careful and thorough summary of both sides of the issue.”
“We disagree with some of the language and statements in the Report, especially the use of the euphemistic term ‘assisted dying’. Overall, however, we think it is a useful starting point for discussing the issues. It will make sobering reading for anybody who thinks that legalising euthanasia could ever be safe, simple and straight forward.”
“That is why we too ‘encourage everyone with an interest in the subject to read the report in full’,” said Mr Jansen. “It would also be useful if future public polling asked whether respondents had read the report.”
“We extend our thanks to the Committee’s members and staff for the respectful and considerate way they listened to all voices,” said Mr Jansen. “They have heard powerful personal evidence about how we can and should do better to care for each other.”
ENDS

Kiwis' opposition to euthanasia outweighs support in select committee report

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TVNZ One News 2 August 2017
Family First Comment: “Outweighs”?
Yeah – by 4 to 1.
#gameover
After spending more than two years hearing submissions and public opinions on assisted dying, parliament’s health select committee has released its findings without a single recommendation.
Four in five people who contacted the committee during an investigation of public attitudes toward euthanasia legislation were opposed to the idea.

The committee received more than 21,000 submissions while investigating public views toward assisted dying for the terminally ill and those with irreversible conditions, based on a petition by former Labour MP Maryan Street.
In a report released today, the committee chaired by Simon O’Connor, concluded no recommendations would be made and any decision on the issue would generally be a conscience vote.
“This issue is clearly very complicated, very divisive, and extremely contentious,” they said.
The report comes as Act leader David Seymour’s End of Life Choices Bill is expected to come before parliament, though it’s unlikely to have its first reading before parliament rises in three weeks ahead of next month’s election.
READ MORE: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/kiwis-opposition-euthanasia-outweighs-support-in-select-committee-report
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80% Opposition to Euthanasia An International Trend

By | Media Releases


Media Release 3 August 2017
Family First NZ says that the overwhelming 80% opposition to assisted suicide communicated to the Inquiry by the Health Select Committee is part of the reason why most overseas jurisdictions have also rightly rejected euthanasia laws.

An analysis of attempts in the USA to allow assisted suicide reveal an overwhelming failure rate associated with such legislation: fewer than 1% of all assisted suicide bills become law. Just this year, 46 bills to legalise assisted suicide in 27 states have been defeated, despite proponents of assisted suicide spending heavily. Between 2015-2017, legislation was also defeated in Scotland, United Kingdom, South Australia and Tasmania, with the only successes coming in Canada, and the three US states of California, Colorado and Washington, DC.

“The government report released yesterday revealing the level of opposition to euthanasia is no anomaly, and explains why a select committee comprising both proponents and opponents of assisted suicide could not endorse any change to the law. They understand that promotion of assisted suicide is a message that will be heard not just by those with a terminal illness but also by anyone tempted to think he or she can no longer cope with their suffering – whatever the nature of that suffering. This is the real risk to young and to vulnerable people, the disabled and elderly people if NZ follows the path of promoting – and allowing – assisted suicide,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.

The government report shares this concern, saying:
“Many submitters were concerned that if assisted dying was legalized, people would see death as an acceptable response to suffering. It would be difficult to say that some situations warranted ending one’s life while others do not. These submitters were concerned that while terminal illnesses would initially be the only scenario in which ending one’s life would be considered acceptable, this would quickly widen to include any degree of physical pain, then to include mental pain, and then in response to many other situations that arise throughout life…”

“…Several submitters suggested that, during their worst periods of depression, they would have opted for euthanasia had it been available in New Zealand.”

“This government report clearly highlights the need to move on from the current political push for assisted suicide, and to focus on what New Zealanders really need and want – a focus on providing the very best palliative care and support for vulnerable people, whether they are at the end of their life, or momentarily wishing they were at the end of their life.”
ENDS

Suicide Prevention Harmed by Euthanasia – Govt Report

By | Media Releases

EUTHANASIA depressed girlMedia Release 2 Aug 2017
A parliamentary inquiry into euthanasia has sounded a clear warning that changing the law on assisted suicide could be seen as normalising suicide, and an overwhelming 80% of submitters have rejected calls for euthanasia in this extensive and lengthy inquiry.

“At a time when the country is trying to reduce our horrendous suicide rates, this 49-page report sends a loud and clear message that assisted suicide fails the public safety test and will do more harm than good. Suicide is already a public health crisis. You don’t discourage suicide by assisting suicide,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.
Advocates of assisted suicide tried to suggest that suicide can be categorised as either “rational” or “irrational”. But the government report says:

“This distinction was not supported by any submitters working in the field of suicide prevention or grief counselling. On the contrary, we heard from youth counsellors and youth suicide prevention organisations that suicide is always undertaken in response to some form of suffering, whether that is physical, emotional, or mental.”

It was also pointed out by submitters that when the media cover assisted dying stories, they always accompany the story with suicide prevention contact details. Family First has previously warned that guidelines around the media reporting of suicides are being widely ignored in the reporting of recent instances of assisted suicide, with the subject’s decision to end his or her life frequently presented in the media as inspiring and even heroic, and the means of committing suicide being clearly spelt out.
“Promotion of assisted suicide is a message that will be heard not just by those with a terminal illness but also by anyone tempted to think he or she can no longer cope with their suffering – whatever the nature of that suffering. This is the real risk to young and to vulnerable people, the disabled and elderly people if NZ follows the path of promoting – and allowing – assisted suicide,” says Mr McCoskrie.
The government report shares this concern, saying:

“Many submitters were concerned that if assisted dying was legalized, people would see death as an acceptable response to suffering. It would be difficult to say that some situations warranted ending one’s life while others do not. These submitters were concerned that while terminal illnesses would initially be the only scenario in which ending one’s life would be considered acceptable, this would quickly widen to include any degree of physical pain, then to include mental pain, and then in response to many other situations that arise throughout life…”

“Several submitters suggested that, during their worst periods of depression, they would have opted for euthanasia had it been available in New Zealand.”

“Promotion of assisted suicide is a message that will be heard not just by those with a terminal illness but also by anyone tempted to think he or she can no longer cope with their suffering – whatever the nature of that suffering. This is the real risk to young and to vulnerable people and elderly people if NZ follows the path of promoting – and allowing – assisted suicide,” says Mr McCoskrie.

“This government report clearly highlights the need to move on from the current political push for euthanasia, and to focus on what New Zealanders really need and want – a focus on providing the very best palliative care and support for vulnerable people, whether they are at the end of their life, or momentarily wishing they were at the end of their life.”
ENDS
READ Family First’s Submission to the Inquiry
READ Family First’s Oral Submission – “You don’t discourage suicide by assisting suicide”