Author

Maryanne Spurdle

Maryanne Spurdle holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Auckland, a BA in Communications from California State University at Fullerton, and is a World Journalism Institute Fellow. She held a variety of positions before joining Maxim Institute in 2023, writing, editing and designing material for mainstream media and non-profit organisations. One of Maryanne's early roles was at a charity that supports vulnerable and homeless adults in the north of England. That experience informed and fuelled her desire to discover and communicate the best ways that families, communities, and governments can encourage human flourishing in a complex world.

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Submission to the Public consultation for the review of the End of Life Choice Act (2019)

By Maryanne Spurdle September 27, 2024

Executive Summary

Maxim Institute believes the End of Life Choice Act lacks sufficient safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals from inaccurate terminal diagnoses, coercion, and inadequate mental health evaluations. Research shows terminal diagnoses predicting a lifespan beyond two weeks are often inaccurate, undermining the Act’s eligibility criteria. Additionally, the low rate of psychiatric referrals indicates a troubling reliance on medical professionals without mental health training. Safeguards against coercion are weak and subjective, as most applications are approved in less than two weeks, leaving little time to detect undue pressure.

MAXIM INSTITUTE

Submission to the Public consultation for the review of the End of Life Choice Act (2019)

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Assisted Suicide Community End of Life Choice Act Euthanasia Maxim Institute New Zealand Palliative Care Policy Politics Select Committee Submission

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Author

Maryanne Spurdle

Maryanne Spurdle holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Auckland, a BA in Communications from California State University at Fullerton, and is a World Journalism Institute Fellow. She held a variety of positions before joining Maxim Institute in 2023, writing, editing and designing material for mainstream media and non-profit organisations. One of Maryanne's early roles was at a charity that supports vulnerable and homeless adults in the north of England. That experience informed and fuelled her desire to discover and communicate the best ways that families, communities, and governments can encourage human flourishing in a complex world.

Read their work

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