ACT’s End of Life Choice Bill Strengthened and Reintroduced

ACT MP Todd Stephenson is today re-lodging his End of Life Choice Amendment Bill, incorporating every single recommendation from the Ministry of Health’s 2024 statutory review of the End of Life Choice Act.

“The End of Life Choice Act gave New Zealanders a precious right: to make decisions about their own death with dignity, compassion, and control. More than 1,200 New Zealanders have chosen that path since the law came into force,” says Mr Stephenson.

“My updated Bill strengthens that right by adopting all 25 recommendations from the Ministry’s independent review. That includes changes to improve safety, workforce capacity, and alignment with the wider health system. I’ve written to every MP to seek support on this basis.

“The updated Bill also restores the original intent of my earlier Member’s Bill by addressing the overly restrictive six-month prognosis requirement.

“This narrow threshold has excluded people with terminal diagnoses who are suffering intolerably, despite being in an irreversible decline. My Bill replaces that arbitrary cut-off with a test that reflects medical reality – recognising that death doesn’t always follow a calendar.”

The Bill maintains all other eligibility criteria and safeguards, and adds a limited waiver of final consent for patients who lose capacity after scheduling their assisted death.

“None of the existing safeguards are being weakened. This Bill ensures that New Zealand’s assisted dying regime remains safe, compassionate, and responsive to real-life experiences.”

Mr Stephenson has worked with legal experts, medical professionals, and advocacy organisations to ensure the Bill’s integrity and robustness. He has written to all MPs to meet and discuss the details directly.

“This is not about party politics. The End of Life Choice Act was backed two-to-one by voters. This Bill is a practical, respectful update that honours both the will of the public and the findings of the statutory review.”

“ACT will continue to advocate for choice, compassion, and personal freedom in healthcare.”

Editor's notes:

The updated End of Life Choice Amendment Bill can be found here.

The Ministry of Health’s 2024 statutory review of the End of Life Choice Act can be found here.