The end of life choice referendum asks a seemingly simple yes or no question, but the issue is far more complex than that.
Politicians spent 2½ years debating the legislation voters are being asked their opinion on, and the MPs’ conscience vote for or against was swayed by many factors.
Supporters backed the law change for reasons such as compassion, endorsement of an individual’s right to choose, or from personal experience of a loved one’s death.
That last factor swayed some opponents to the opposite conclusion on the Bill’s merits; others opposed it for moral, religious or medico-ethical reasons.
That diversity of opinion was reflected in public submissions on The End of Life Choice Act — the law change which will come into effect should New Zealanders vote ‘‘Yes’’ on September 19.
About 40,000 people expressed a written opinion on the Bill: so many submitters wanted to appear in person before the justice select committee considering the law change that hearings had to be scheduled the length and breadth of the country, and its report took a year to compile.
Crucial to the Bill being passed by Parliament was the position of New Zealand First. The party officially took no position on the Bill, but voted in favour on the proviso that its passage, or otherwise, be decided by a referendum.
In the lead-up to that referendum, the Otago Daily Times will canvass as many of that wide range of opinions as we can on the End of Life Choice issue.
We will explain how the subject reached the point where New Zealanders are voting on it; we will look at the issues assisted dying raises, both for professionals and for families.
We will look at the intricacies of the proposed law change, how it is envisaged the system would work, and how it will be overseen.
We will ask people who are for and who are against the law change — both experts in their fields and everyday people — to explain why they have reached their conclusions.
Our series starts tomorrow, and as always, the ODT invites our readers to have their say. Email us (editor@odt.co.nz) or head to our social media pages.
This is a debate for all New Zealanders, and we want to hear your views.
