Bishops welcome terms of reference for Inquiry into Ending of Life

The New Zealand Catholic Bishops have welcomed the Terms of Reference  released by Parliament’s Health Select Committee for an investigation into ending a person’s life in New Zealand.

The inquiry will look at the factors that contributed to a person wanting to end their life, as well as the experiences of other countries who have adopted euthanasia laws.

Announcing the inquiry Committee chair Simon O’Connor said it was a subject that would concern many New Zealanders.

He  called for everyone with a view on the issue to make a submission

Speaking on behalf of the Catholic Bishops, Cardinal John Dew noted that the investigation was to be a broad-based one, saying “We have always maintained that a robust discussion about euthanasia or assisted suicide has to take full account of the societal context in which we live.”

“We’re pleased the Committee has allocated a generous time for public consultation.”

The closing date for submissions is Monday, 1 February 2016

“Our personal choices are never made in isolation.” said Dew.

“The Terms of Reference will allow for a wide-ranging investigation into all of the factors that lead people, young and old, to contemplate ending their own lives.”

“Justice Collins’ recent decision in the Crown v Seales case made clear that any change will necessarily involve amending the present law on aiding and abetting suicide.”

“We are pleased to see the inquiry will consider the situation of all who desire to end their own lives.”

“It will be just as important to hear from those who work daily with people at risk of taking their own lives or who have a terminal diagnosis.” Cardinal Dew said.

The Committee will investigate:

  1.  The factors that contribute to the desire to end one’s life.
  2. The effectiveness of services and support available to those who desire to end their own lives.
  3. The attitudes of New Zealanders towards the ending of one’s life and the current legal situation.
  4. International experiences.

The inquiry into the ending of life issue was born out of a petition led by former Labour MP Maryan Street on behalf of 8974 signatories, following the death of right-to-die campaigner Lecretia Seales.

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