Stance is clear

In regard to euthanasia or assisted dying, recent correspondence voices the opinions of two medical practitioners, one of whom declares himself to be a specialist.

Perhaps it would be helpful for the general public, as well as health practitioners, to be aware of the New Zealand medical profession’s position on this grave issue.

I refer to four pertinent texts. First, ‘‘I will give no deadly drug to any, though it be asked of me, nor will I counsel such’’, from the Hippocratic Oath.

Second, ‘‘I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from the time of conception, even under threat’’, from the Geneva Convention Code of Medical Ethics.

Third, ‘‘You must not participate in the deliberate killing of a patient by active means’’, from the Medical Council of New Zealand’s good medical practice.

And finally, ‘‘Doctors should bear in mind always the obligation of preserving life where ever possible and justifiable, while allowing death to occur with dignity and comfort when it appears to be inevitable’’, from the New Zealand Medical Association’s code of ethics.

In the context of these statements, the ethical responsibility and clinical practice of doctors, individually and collectively, in New Zealand is unequivocal and absolute. DR RUSSELL FRANKLIN

Kelburn