euthanasia and assisted suicide
About euthanasia and assisted suicide
Most Recent Activity

The context of choice as compassion
By Danielle van Dalen
Conversation around the End of Life Choice Act has often focused on a desire to be compassionate at the end…
Read More
Dr Stephen Child and Danielle van Dalen on the End of Life Choice Act
This September, New Zealand will vote to determine if the End of Life Choice Act will come into force, legislation…
Read More
FAQ #1 | What is the difference between euthanasia and assisted suicide?
By Danielle van Dalen
Assisted dying can take two forms: euthanasia or assisted suicide. Broadly, euthanasia describes the situation where the person who is…
Read More
FAQ #2 | What is the current law?
By Danielle van Dalen
Currently, it is not a crime to commit suicide or attempt to commit suicide, but it is a crime to…
Read More
FAQ #3 | If you don’t want to have assisted suicide, why not just allow the choice for others and don’t do it yourself?
By Danielle van Dalen
The principle of personal autonomy, or choice, is core to the functioning of a free society. Our laws that relate…
Read More
FAQ #4 | Who would be eligible for euthanasia and assisted suicide under the Act?
By Danielle van Dalen
A person is eligible for euthanasia or assisted suicide under the End of Life Choice Act 2019 if: They are…
Read More
FAQ #5 | Is it possible to create a clear, immovable boundary between who should be eligible for assisted death and who is not?
By Danielle van Dalen
The evidence suggests not. Our current laws protect all human life equally. No-one’s life is treated under law as more…
Read More
FAQ #6 | Where is euthanasia and/or assisted suicide currently legal?
By Danielle van Dalen
Of a total 252 jurisdictions worldwide, only 18 allow some combination of euthanasia and assisted suicide, with two additional jurisdictions…
Read More
FAQ #8 | If we vote in favour of the End of Life Choice Act, is that going to be the end of the debate?
By Danielle van Dalen
It is unlikely that proponents of assisted suicide will be satisfied with the End of Life Choice Act. As the…
Read More
FAQ #10 | Who is vulnerable to the risks of euthanasia and assisted suicide legislation?
By Danielle van Dalen
People with disabilities, the elderly, the chronically ill, and people with mental illness like depression are all groups that are…
Read More
FAQ #11 | How do we currently care for people at the end of their life?
By Danielle van Dalen
The legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide is often framed as the only compassionate response to people with terminal illnesses…
Read More
FAQ #12 | Have jurisdictions that said no to assisted dying legislation responded with alternative approaches to caring well for people at the end of life?
By Danielle van Dalen
In 2015 Scotland investigated a bill on assisted suicide. In their report, the Health and Sport Committee recommended the Scottish…
Read More
FAQ #13 | Why are we having a referendum?
By Danielle van Dalen
The End of Life Choice Act passed Third Reading in Parliament in November 2019 with 61 MPs in favour and…
Read More
FAQ #14 | What doesn’t count as euthanasia or assisted suicide?
By Danielle van Dalen
Research shows that many people think that relatively normal medical decisions count as a form of euthanasia.[1] However, withdrawing treatment,…
Read More
FAQ #15 | What do nurse and medical practitioners think of the End of Life Choice Act?
By Danielle van Dalen
Under the End of Life Choice Act, nurse and medical practitioners will be required to directly participate in the provision…
Read More
FAQ #16 | What are the key arguments in favour of the End of Life Choice Act?
By Danielle van Dalen
There are two key arguments that are regularly discussed in favour of the legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide: choice…
Read More