Wed Feb 16, 2022 – 9:01 am EST
(Right to Life UK) – At least 28 people in New Zealand have had their lives ended by euthanasia or assisted suicide in the three months since the practice became legal.
The law allowing assisted suicide and euthanasia came into effect in November 2021 following a referendum on the matter a year earlier. The Ministry of Health in New Zealand has just released data showing that from 7 November 2021, when the law came into force, until 31 January this year, at least 28 people have ended their lives by assisted suicide or euthanasia. As the data is updated on a weekly basis, that figure may have increased.
The change in law, which permitted assisted suicide or euthanasia, saw New Zealand join a very small group of countries – including the Netherlands and Canada – which already allow doctors to end the lives of their patients.
A binding referendum
Ahead of the referendum, legal risk lawyers and healthcare professionals expressed deep concern with the legislation and its lack of safeguards.
These include: no assessment to check individuals aren’t being coerced into assisted dying or euthanasia; no mental health checks or support; concerns about pressure to choose
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