Press release from the Voluntary Euthanasia Society of NZ
Reference Judge David Collins decision approving the VESNZ as intervenor in the case of Lecretia Seales v
Attorney-General.
The Voluntary Euthanasia Society of New Zealand welcomes the High Court's decision allowing its views to be heard in
Lecretia Seales's request that her doctor be legally allowed to help end her life when she decides she has suffered
enough, the President Dr Jack Havill, of Hamilton, said Friday.
This is a personal matter for Lecretia and needs to be resolved quickly, but just this month a Research New Zealand poll
found 74 per cent of New Zealanders surveyed believe people suffering a painful incurable disease should get the support
she is seeking.
The Voluntary Euthanasia Society, also known as End-of-Life Choice, hopes its intervention will support Lecretia's
arguments and help to bring balance to the debate.
"It is clear about three-quarters of New Zealanders favour a change to a more compassionate law, including doctors and
nurses reluctant to speak out and MPs who do not have the courage to stand up for the views of the majority of their
constituents.
"We wish Lecretia well and thank her for summoning her courage and limited energy to bring this case forward," Dr Havill
said. "She has demonstrated that the time has come for real debate about this issue."
ENDS