Two hundred and fifty-seven people chose to die by euthanasia in first year since euthanasia became legal in New Zealand, says Victoria University assisted dying researcher Dr Jessica Young. Hundreds more explored the service but chose not to proceed, she says. However, Young’s conversations with 19 individuals who opted for euthanasia paint a picture of Read more
In a candid discussion with reporters on September 23, Pope Francis warned against what he termed bad compassion. Francis defined bad compassion as the law not to let the child grow in the mother’s womb or the law of euthanasia in disease and old age.” Clarifying, he added “I am not saying it is a Read more
A high-profile Italian priest who championed euthanasia and same-sex marriage has been dismissed from the priesthood at his own request. Fr Luca Favarin, 53, who had been suspended since last December, made the announcement of his dismissal from the clerical state in an August 24 post on Facebook, saying the Vatican decree had arrived the Read more
What if our health or happiness does not determine the age at which we die, but by those who deem us surplus to requirements and a burden on the state? In US author Lionel Shriver’s well-reviewed novel, Should We Stay Or Should We Go, a middle-aged married couple makes a pact to end their own Read more
The Vatican’s Pontifical Academy for Life has defended its president, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia (pictured with Pope Francis), against criticism for his recent remarks on euthanasia and assisted suicide. Speaking last week at the Perugia Journalism Festival on “The last journey (towards the end of life),” Paglia stated that the Catholic Church did not provide a Read more
A 56-year old Belgian mother who murdered her five children has been euthanised at her own request. It is 16 years since Genevieve Lhermitte (pictured left and far right) killed her son and four daughters, aged three to 14 on 28 February 2007, while their father was away. She then tried to commit suicide. After Read more
More palliative care investment is needed in New Zealand, says Royal College of GPs medical director Dr Bryan Betty. He’s concerned about ACT Party leader David Seymour’s desire to widen the End of Life Choice Act criteria. Seymour argues the change is necessary, as many who want assisted suicide are “missing out”. Seymour says this Read more
Looser criteria in the euthanasia law are needed, says ACT Party leader David Seymour. A year after coming into force, the End of Life Choice Act is working well and opponents of the law change had “melted away,” Seymour says. “The figures overwhelmingly show a law that is working. People can and do get through Read more
Last month, Pope Francis came to Canada and expressed regret for the Roman Catholic Church’s part in running notoriously abusive residential schools for Indigenous children, which operated between 1880 and 1996. “I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples,” the pope said. Canada’s own government has previously Read more
Disability rights activists are frustrated that a person who wants disabled people euthanised at birth is to speak at a public event. Australian ethicist Dr Peter Singer’s views are “harmful” to those with disabilities, the activists say. Singer is back in Auckland for a one-off event at Trusts Arena in Henderson on Saturday night. He Read more