In 2020, New Zealanders overwhelmingly voted for compassion by supporting the End of Life Choice Act. But political compromises at the time meant that an arbitrary six-month timeframe was put in place, denying this choice to some New Zealanders who are experiencing unbearable suffering from terminal illness but are not deemed likely to die within six months.
This means that people suffering from degenerative diseases like motor neurone disease, for example, are unlikely to be eligible for assisted dying despite experiencing unbearable pain and suffering.
Todd Stephenson’s member’s bill would amend the End of Life Choice Act to remove the requirement that a terminal illness must be likely to end the person’s life within six months. All other existing requirements will remain including that the person:
- Must be aged 18 years or over; and
- Is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident; and
- Suffers from a terminal illness; and
- Is in an advanced state of irreversible decline in physical capability; and
- Experiences unbearable suffering that cannot be relieved in a manner that the person considers tolerable; and
- Is competent to make an informed decision about assisted dying.
“I support showing compassion to those nearing the end of their lives, and believe that those experiencing unbearable suffering from terminal illness should not be forced to prove they are likely to die within six months to access End of Life Choice.”