Euthanasia advocates upset by MP’s response

A euthanasia advocate has lodged a complaint against National MP Maggie Barry, saying she has been ‘‘disparaging to submitters’’ on the contentious End of Life Choice Bill.

Dr Jack Havill, a retired intensive care specialist, lodged the complaint after viewing interactions between Barry, who has been vocal in her opposition to the bill, and oral submitters at a hearing in Hamilton. ‘‘I do not maintain she should not have opinions against the bill but the public expects her to act impartially in her role as deputy chair [of the justice select committee],’’ he said. ‘‘Our opinion is she should resign from the position as deputy chair because she is heavily compromised.’’

Bets Blake, a retired palliative care nurse with 52 years’ experience, described making an oral submission to the committee as ‘‘traumatic’’. ‘‘Maggie demonstrated an interest in what submitters opposing the bill were saying, smiling and nodding at them,’’ Blake said.

‘‘At the end of their submissions she thanked them. She didn’t challenge them at all.’’

Near the end of Blake’s submission, Barry got up from her seat to get a refreshment, she said.

‘‘I felt she was dismissive of people who held an alternative view. I went back to my seat feeling upset and angry. It was an awful and tortuous experience.’’

Dave Mullan has long campaigned for the right to ‘‘depart this life in some dignity’’ as he is dying of prostate cancer.

‘‘At the end of my oral submission when I paused for questions, [Barry’s] first one was: Would you like a cup of tea?’’ Mullan said.

‘‘I found it patronising and was expecting meaningful questions.’’

Barry rejected the criticisms and said she offered Mullan a cup of tea as he was ‘‘clearly emotional’’.

‘‘I’ve been moved to tears on many occasions [during the hearings] as it’s an emotionally charged topic.

Select committee chairman Raymond Huo said the complaint against Barry would not be pursued.