Important to keep money out of euthanasia debate

MAY I commend journalist Mike Houlahan and the Otago Daily Times editorial team for the cover story on the Ministry of Health’s financial interest in euthanasia (ODT, 9.2.21).

May I also commend the good doctor for their courage.

Euthanasia is clearly an important issue, rightly capable of arousing strong passions both for and against its legalisation.

While personal choice and ‘‘dying with dignity’’ is oft given paramountcy, it is inevitable that health providers might seek to reduce the costs of providing terminal care, hence there will be undercurrents of financial pressure.

We are most fortunate in New Zealand that there are many doctors of the calibre and conscience who cannot be bought.

The Otago Community Hospice is one of our greatest assets, and its support during my late wife’s last weeks were beyond the imagination of any accountant.

We were privileged to care for her at home, supported by hospice, district nurses and our GP.

I cannot imagine a more dignified death, her pain controlled throughout.

The caring of my wife at home made us much stronger as a family and gave us all the greatest lesson in how to live and die with dignity.

The experience has inspired one of our children to study medicine, thus adding to the supply of caring and conscientious keepers of the Hippocratic Oath.

Hugh O’Neill

Pukehiki