This important safeguard helps to ensure that someone doesn’t make an impulsive decision and that they have the time to properly consider all options before making the irreversible choice to take the lethal dose.
The Act is missing this important safeguard. Our amendment would require a 14-day cooling-off period between approval of a request, and the prescribing of the lethal dose. It would also require a mandatory follow-up consultation during those 14 days, which must be focussed exclusively on providing the patient with information about relevant local support services and feasible alternatives to euthanaisa or assisted suicide. This consultation would have to include unbiased information about advanced care planning, hospice and palliative care, as well as pain control options. This consultation must not include any further communication about assisted suicide or euthanasia, or the patient’s request for either of these. It must be focused solely on alternative options in order to ensure the integrity of the cooling-off period.
At the end of the 14 day period, the person would need to restate their request in writing witnessed by at least one independent witness before progressing any further.
Currently the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Justice has estimated there could be just four working days between a person’s request and their death. This means that a person could make a request on Monday and be dead by Thursday.
In contrast, the states of Oregon and Hawaii have a 15 day cooling-off period. In Australia, the states of Victoria and Western Australia have a minimum 9-day cooling-off period.
Amend the End of Life Choice Act: Sign the Petition
The current law is not safe. Call for improved protections for the vulnerable. New Zealanders deserve a safer law. Learn more or sign below.
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