List MP Maryan Street has withdrawn the End-of-Life Choice bill from the ballot box as requested by the Labour Party a few weeks ago. This decision was made, seemingly in order to prevent the issue hijacking the 2014 elections.
However, it is highly likely that Ms Street and the Voluntary Euthanasia Society will seek to canvas support among current MPs and candidates in next year’s election, doing their best to convince them this is what the New Zealand people really want.
We disagree, as we believe the majority of our fellow citizens have been purposely led astray with the rhetoric of the right-to-die lobby who repeatedly hold public opinion polls or surveys that have very loaded questions deliberately designed to mislead. These surveys use euphemisms such as “assisted dying”, “end-of-life choice”, “medical assistance in the ending of life”, “dying with dignity” and “right to die” exclusively, instead of the accepted medical and legal terminology: euthanasia and assisted suicide. These surveys and polls also rarely clarify the definitions of the terminology they use.
Now is the time for those who oppose this legislation to start making their sentiments known to their MPs and prepare themselves with information to be able to question candidates in their electorates. Once you know where the candidates stand on this issue, it would be very helpful if you then forward the information to us.
Euthanasia-Free New Zealand makes printed “8 Dangers” flyers available on request, as well as Alex Schadenberg’s book, Exposing Vulnerable People to Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide. Our speakers are available to give talks throughout New Zealand.
If you would like to connect with other Euthanasia-Free supporters in your area, please email us.