Imminent danger

Isaac Davidson says there is no evidence the End of Life Choice Act would inevitably lead to ever wider grounds for euthanasia. No, but the dangers are obvious. A widespread impression is that the Act simply enables fatally ill people in unmanageable physical pain to end their lives sooner. But it already allows much more. Any suffering can be grounds for euthanasia. A person profoundly distressed at losing quality of life due to terminal illness could say that suffering in itself is unbearable, and counselling unacceptable to them. Their doctor must then start the euthanasia process.

The Ministry of Justice confirms the whole process from application to death could happen quickly, even within days.

Bert Jackson, Hamilton.