by Roger Childs
… the prospect of a referendum would ease the minds of MPs who are uncertain. It would be their chance to share power with the people, thereby devolving some of their own responsibility for getting it right from their own shoulders onto ours. —Waikanae resident and End of Life Choice advocate, Ann David
Priceless friendship
A couple of years ago I met some friends who I hadn’t seen in a while. After the usual greetings, I inquired about the dog Jasper and they told me the sad story of having to put the animal down.
The three of them had been inseparable for years and were a frequent sight along the Waikanae River banks. However, they have moved on and the new dog Topaz is a great source of joy and companionship, just as Jasper was.
The loss of a pet is hard to take, but the time comes to make the tough decision. When the animal is getting little pleasure from life, you don’t want it to suffer any more. At least pet owners, can decide to end the existence of a cat, dog or horse, when quality of life, dignity and self-respect has gone.
Not long ago, we had to make that choice for our cat of 15 years. After providing loyal and faithful service, and friendship for so long, it was sore, listless and losing control of its body.
It was a traumatic time for the three of us, but we felt that Fluffy understood. The process was carried out with care and consideration, and there was little discomfort for the animal.
Dying with dignity or not
Many years ago a close friend went back to The Netherlands to spend time with her brother during his last few days. He had an incurable disease, had minimal quality of life and was not going to improve. Because the Dutch had passed enlightened legislation allowing euthanasia, the brother was able to choose to die with dignity.
Over 30 years ago, I watched my mother die, very slowly. In the days before scans and hospices, she had a brain tumour which was incurable and was admitted to hospital for her last few months.
She spent over 60 days as a “human vegetable”, was incontinent, and not able to recognise anyone or talk. This was a lady who in earlier times had been a loving, energetic and vibrant women, and here she was, having to wait for death until her heart stopped beating. She was not going to improve, her dignity and self respect was gone and we all wanted her to be out of her discomfort and anguish.
It was interesting that in the speeches relating to the second reading of the End of Life Choice Bill mid week, a number of MPs referred to the undignified death of a parent. Amy Adams (pictured) referred to the gruesome, painful and dehumanising death of her mother.
Readers will also remember the tragic case of the courageous Lecretia Seales some years ago. She failed in her attempt to be able to legally shorten her life and die with dignity.
Legislative action needed
Legislative action is long overdue and it is sad to see some in medical profession, as well as Christian and family groups holding out against what would a very humane and enlightened law.
When we make the choice of euthanasia for our pets, we are thinking of them, especially when they are losing control of their bodies; are sore and uncomfortable, and not going to get better. Thousands of humans are in a similar condition and wish to die with dignity.
Opponents have raised concerns about
- possible coercion
- getting rid of “inconvenient” family members
- disabled and maginalised people being vulnerable
- certain ethnic and religious communities being opposed
- pressure going on sick people who have relapses.
However the bill sets out very clear safeguards and processes, and no-one would have euthanasia imposed on them.
The time has come to make the choice possible for New Zealanders when they have lost their dignity and self-respect, have no quality of life and want to pass on.
The New Zealand First party is keen to see this incredibly important issue decided by the people in a binding referendum. Instead of the burden being imposed on the consciences of MPs, “direct democracy” seems the best way to go.
AS MP Nikki Kaye pointed out in her supportive speech on the night of the second reading, New Zealanders have been fighting for the right to die with dignity for 16 years – ever since the Peter Brown Death with Dignity Bill in 2003. It’s time for parliamentarians to listen. But they will only do so if they hear from the people who vote for them. Get in touch with your MP. Ask them to vote YES at the final reading of the End of Life Choice bill.
Great article Roger thank you.The second reading was passed with 70 in favour and 50 against. The debate was respectful and polite, and a great experience to watch in Parliament. Before the third reading a lot of work will need to be done. If/ when we pass the third reading we can all look forward to a referendum coupled onto the general elections at the end of 2020. Everybody can write to Parliament and either thank the YES voters, and/ or encourage them to vote YES again at a third reading. Succes, Alida Van der Velde, Waikanae.
Please do get in touch (write or email) with your MP (Nathan Guy) and ensure he is aware of your views, ask him to explain again his reasons for voting against this bill. It’s my opinion his ‘reasons’ are really excuses, and he may have a hidden agenda. Or maybe he is the arch conservative who dislikes progress. But if you as an constituent choose to do nothing, please don’t be surprised if Mr Guy maintains his opposition to this compassionate legislation. He should be representing his electorate, not his own narrow viewpoint.
Absolutely correct, jaymac751. If we don’t engage with our politicians, we can’t complain when they make laws we don’t like. This isn’t “someone else’s job” – it’s the job of each and every one of us.
What surprised me about Nathan Guy is that for the last 5 years that I’ve known him, he’s always said he “hadn’t yet made up his mind” about assisted dying. He said that to my face again just a few days before the published his decision to vote against the Bill. Now he seems intransigent. Unless enough voters can persuade him otherwise.
He has two offices: Paraparaumu and Levin. Call the one that suits you and make an appointment to visit Nathan. Or write to him at the electorate office. His two office managers are very helpful.