More patients choosing assisted death, but law still too restrictive

ACT Party Leader David Seymour and ACT Party Health Spokesperson Todd Stephenson welcome the Registrar (assisted dying) Annual Report, which shows more people are choosing to live out their final days on their own terms, and with dignity.  

 “The End of Life Choice Act is one of the most significant human rights reforms in New Zealand's recent history. It recognises that the person living with a terminal illness is best placed to make decisions about their own care and their own dignity,” Mr Seymour says. 

 “Assisted deaths between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 made up 1.3 per cent of all deaths in New Zealand during that period. Those Kiwis made the final decision on their death. For them and their families, it is a huge relief.  

 “The report also shows the safeguards in the Act are working. Last year over 300 people applied to access assisted dying but were deemed ineligible, showing that the checks are real and that protections for vulnerable New Zealanders remain robust. 

 “It also shows that choice is being respected right until the end. 42 patients chose to withdraw their application. For many, simply knowing the option is available brings comfort, control, and peace of mind at the most difficult time in their lives.” 

 “The End of Life Choice Act gave New Zealanders a precious right: to make decisions about their own death with dignity, compassion, and control. Almost 1,700 New Zealanders have chosen that path since the law came into force,” says Mr Stephenson. 

 “Last year I re-lodged my End of Life Choice Amendment Bill. 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.” 

 “Since 2021 there have been over 4,070 applications, and almost 1,700 assisted deaths. Over half of the people applying for an assisted death are denied that opportunity. Many of those people are forced to continue to suffer intolerably because their terminal illness doesn’t align with the calendar. This is devastating for them and their families. That’s why the Government should adopt ACT MP Todd Stephenson’s End of Life Choice Amendment Bill,” Mr Seymour says.