Pacific Media Network 12 October 2020
Family First Comment: Ahdar believes over time this act could get broadened with input from organisations such as the human rights movement or whoever sees fit. “The elderly are very much in the gun. And the most vulnerable are the poor, the handicapped and people with disabilities, the mentally ill and depressed,” he says.
Pacific community and faith based leaders who condemn the End of Life Choice Act say it sets a dangerous precedent.
The contentious act, gives people with a terminal illness the option of assisted dying.
To be able to ask for assisted dying, a person must meet all the following criteria. They must:
- be aged 18 years or over
- be a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand
- suffer from a terminal illness that’s likely to end their life within 6 months
- have significant and ongoing decline in physical capability
- experience unbearable suffering that cannot be eased
- be able to make an informed decision about assisted dying.
But University of Otago Law Faculty professor Rex Tauati Ahdar describes the act as “therapeutic killing”.
He says it is not well drafted and the slippery side of the act is the psychological side.
“Once we become accustomed to the idea of voluntarily ending life, it becomes easier for society to take further steps to end the lives of those who feel life is not worth living or deserve dignity.”
Professor Ahdar says the intention of assisting someone to commit suicide is a serious offence that can lead to a penalty of up to 14 years imprisonment.
“That section of the law is going to be repealed or nullified when this act comes into effect.
“The coercion around people, and the pressure they put on themselves, what can remove a patient’s thought from subjecting to it? There’s no part there to protect patients from feeling pressured.”
READ MORE: https://pacificmedianetwork.com/articles/euthanasia-referendum-end-of-life-choice-act-is-unsafe-uncaring-unkind?fbclid=IwAR3pqifHCFckFsSDi2xQfVF4y2u2xCr3frchRslNyeH88tATJXQsTEYl3xI
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