Stuff co.nz 3 December 2018
Family First Comment: For Dr Ian Gwynne-Robson, medical director of Te Omanga Hospice in Lower Hutt, the idea of having to kill someone flies in the face of the medical commandment “first, do no harm”. That’s why, since the End of Life Choice Bill was introduced, he has been a vocal opponent.
www.Protect.org.nz
As debate rages about whether euthanasia should be legalised, a palliative care expert is urging MPs to spare a thought for doctors who would have to carry out the act.
For Dr Ian Gwynne-Robson, medical director of Te Omanga Hospice in Lower Hutt, the idea of having to kill someone flies in the face of the medical commandment “first, do no harm”. That’s why, since the End of Life Choice Bill was introduced, he has been a vocal opponent.
He says he is acting as a voice of the patients whom the legislation is most likely to affect.
“[When] you’re given a diagnosis of terminal illness, you’re a vulnerable person … All patients referred to me are vulnerable, and it’s my job as a palliative care doctor to advocate for those patients and for their protection.
“Those people are sick, they clearly have other priorities.”
Gwynne-Robson has heard plenty of momentary requests to die.
READ MORE: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/euthanasia-debate/108717999/Euthanasia-debate-Is-there-dignity-in-death-or-does-palliative-care-kill
