Euthanasia: ‘a matter of individual choice’

NOBODY is arguing the justification for euthanasia is ‘‘it's my right to do as I like’’.

No, the straw man is Colin Campbell (Letters, 29.9.20) insisting it is his right to insist we do as he would like. If my life is so important to him and essential for society then he had better do something about my death. Oh, he has? Promised me everlasting life in return for obedience and funding of his church perhaps?

Stephanie Hawking

Oxford, UK

AS a supporter of voluntary assisted dying, I consider myself to be somewhat less selfcentered than Colin Campbell asserts (Letters, 29.9.20).

Our End of Life Choice Act is now law, and will come into force a year after the majority of referendum voters say Yes, as polls suggest they will. Experience in many other countries indicates there will be no shortage of compassionate medical professionals prepared to take part in this humane practice, and no repercussions or employment risks to those wishing to opt out.

There is also evidence funding for palliative care and hospices increases when physicianassisted death is an option. Mr Campbell correctly highlights the essence of this Act — the individual, terminally ill and in untreatable pain, can decide when and how they wish to die. Not their family, not the doctors — it’s a matter of choice for them. Those voting No are perfectly at liberty to die in any way they choose. Apparently, Mr Campbell is not concerned about the consequences of this individualism, and sees nothing wrong with ‘‘doing what I like’’, so long as you make the same choice as him. If you would make a different choice you are exhibiting ‘‘neoliberal individualism’’, the symptoms of which include the ability to think for yourself. D. Cooper

Kapiti

COLIN Campbell (Letters, 29.9.20) makes a good and valid point when he writes that individual freedoms have to be balanced against the community good. So, for example, it is antisocial to drive while drunk, smoke where smoking may affect others, not wear a mask on public transport, etc.

All these actions have the potential for harming others and should be avoided.

However, when no harm can accrue to others then individual freedom has to be paramount. Euthanasia, as encompassed in the End of Life Choice Act, is purely a matter of individual choice that is not potentially harmful for the community at large. As such we should support the Act in the upcoming referendum.

John Jones

Waikouaiti

I RECENTLY heard an American preacher, who had been in New Zealand for eight years, describe this country as atheistic.

I got a bit of a shock but on reflection I find I am in agreement.

What has happened to us? This country is embracing a culture of death.

Every person who asks, and receives, euthanasia, drags at least two other people into the experience. That is not counting family members. And how can we in all honesty, try to prevent suicide?

Compared to eternity, our lives are just a flicker. If we vote this legislation in we are throwing God’s command back in His face.

We cannot expect good to come from anything that is outside God’s word.

He exists and so does the devil. Give satan an inch and he will take a mile.

Have we forgotten that Jesus died to keep us out of hell?

D. McLean

Cromwell