NZ Herald 19 May 2018
Family First Comment: “We don’t talk enough about dying and we need to change that. We think it would help if people knew a bit more about the actual process of dying and what to expect
We suspect a lot of the current debate is fueled by fear of the unknown, and a lack of information about what care is available and what actually happens when someone dies. In our experience a good safe death is peaceful, dignified and a natural process.”
www.protect.org.nz
Palliative care experts in Hawke’s Bay say they are against both David Seymour’s members bill, and the legalisation of “any form” of euthanasia or assisted dying.
“Our reasons for this are many including that it creates a real risk of wrongful death by placing vulnerable people at risk of something not of their choosing,” Cranford Hospice chief executive Janice Byford-Jones said.
“It is also against the core belief we hold that death and dying is a natural part of life.”
The subject of euthanasia is emotional and personal, and we acknowledge and respect the diversity of views. However, many of us who work in palliative care have real concerns about the private member’s bill before Parliament, and moreover, with assisted suicide in general.”
Byford-Jones added that there were also concerns about just how many people did not have a full understanding of what palliative or end of life care was actually all about and indeed, what was meant by “euthanasia”.
“Euthanasia involves the intention to end a life.
“Euthanasia is not – when a person’s pain relief is increased, the removal or discontinuation of unwanted treatment, the creation of do-not-resuscitate orders.”
READ MORE: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503462&objectid=12053611
