Common sense prevails at last!

I will be joining the NZ Voluntary Euthanasia group when I am a citizen - no point at the moment. Yes, my daughter and I have had long discussions on 'ways and means'! I wouldn't want to put her in any danger of prosecution.

The Voluntary Euthanasia Society of New Zealand has as its object a change to the law to allow terminally ill patients, or those whose quality of life has diminished to an unacceptable extent, the right to a peaceful death with dignity at a time of their own choosing. The Society was formed from a merger in 2004 between the Voluntary Euthanasia Society (Auckland) Inc. and the Wellington Voluntary Euthanasia Society. There are branches in Auckland, Wellington, Kapiti-Horowhenua and Waikato; more branches in other centres are planned.

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11th April 2012

PUBLIC STATEMENT

The Voluntary Euthanasia Society is appalled that Evan Mott has been charged with aiding his wife's suicide, even though he wasn't even present at her death.

Mrs Mott chose to die alone, one presumes, to avoid her husband being implicated in her death.

Evan Mott has been charged for allegedly assisting his wife, a multiple sclerosis sufferer, to both research euthanasia and acquire equipment and material for her use, to end her suffering.

If a man can be charged for his wife's suicide, even though he was nowhere near at the time, and even though it was her clear choice and her judgement was in no way impaired by dementia- it is very worrying re the implications for relatives.

Have you checked the Laws for NZ carefully Greatnan? I am sure you wouldn't want to put your daughter in danger. Very very few countries consider volontary euthanasia, apart from Switzerland and the Netherlands.

Here in Switzerland I am a member of Exit- which means that if ever my life became unbearable due to a crippling disease, one of the Exit volunteers would come and discuss my wishes with me, and help me when the time comes, totally legally. But this would not be possible in the case of Alzheimers or advanced senile dementia, as the member has to be of sound mind at the time of the final decision- this is still forcing people to take their own life way before they are ready, at the first signs of the disease. I really wouldn't like to have to ask one of my daughters or my OH to help, apart from emotionally - too much for them to bear imho.

I have agreed with my daughter what I want her to do if I get mentally incapacitated. I could live with some degree of physical disability but I would hate my family to have to watch my personality disintegrate as so often happens with dementia. I am making a living will too, but most countries will not allow assisted suicide unless you are fully aware of what it means

I am so glad he has been allowed his wish,I would wish the same if I was ever on this position.

Yes, he has been fed through a tube, but I gather they are removing his breathing tube to allow him to die. It was said that his death will be peaceful and painless - I am not sure how that will work.

I'm glad to read this news. Have I understood correctly that if this man had not been "fed artificially" he would have died anyway? Sometimes I think we interfere with Nature too much.

Well said Barrow

I have - it was surprisingly good and very thought provoking.

Has anybody read "Me Before You" by Jojo Moyes? it relates to this and is surprisingly thought-provoking and not too chick lit.

I am what Joan refers to as a God-botherer but I believe that we were given free will so I think if someone is suffering from an incurable disease and whose quality of life is very low, and they have expressed the wish to be allowed to die then I think they should be given that last dignity. However, there should be safeguards in place so that no-one is "encouraged" by family members to take that step unless they really wanted to.

When my late husband was dying I decided that if he had asked me to help him die I would have done so. For myself, I am currently fit and healthy but if the time should come when I have to rely on others to help me carry out the most basic of functions then I would hope my friends would help me to end my life. I have left with my Will, written instructions that these are my wishes and I have discussed it with friends and relations so they are all aware of my wishes.

Hear hear!

He has done exactly what I would have done in his position. Let the god -botherers objecting to this spend a few weeks like him. They'd soon change their judgmental little minds.

Long live common sense.