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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…