New Zealanders vote to legalise euthanasia for terminal patients

NEW Zealanders have voted overwhelmingly to legalise euthanasia, preliminary referendum results released yesterday showed, with another vote on allowing recreational cannabis appearing set to fail.

The dual referendums were held on Oct 17, alongside the general election that returned prime minister Jacinda Ardern to power with a l andslide majority.

Preliminary figures showed 65.2 per cent of voters supported euthanasia, with 33.8 against, while 53.1 per cent opposed legalising recreational marijuana, compared to 46.1 in favour.

The initial figures do not include special votes – including ballots cast overseas – which account for almost 20 per cent of the total and could still see the cannabis vote go either way. The overwhelming support for euthanasia means the measure will pass, regardless of the special votes, when final figures are released next Friday.

Legislation allowing medically assisted death passed through parliament last year but lawmakers delayed implementing it until the public had its say through a referendum.

Under the law, a mentally sound adult who has a terminal illness likely to kill them within six months and who is experiencing “unbearable suffering” can request a fatal dose of medication.

The request must be signed off by the patient’s physician and an independent doctor, with a psychiatrist called in if either has doubts about the person’s ability to make an informed decision.