ACT Health spokesperson Todd Stephenson has accepted a petition from Social Justice Aotearoa to amend the End of Life Choice Act 2019 to include degenerative disease.

“Today I met with advocates who believe it is wrong that someone with a terminal illness cannot choose assisted dying simply because the illness may not end their life within six months,” says Stephenson.

“Having considered this issue since I entered Parliament, and having heard the experiences of New Zealanders unable to access assisted dying services, I agree.

“I have accepted the petition of 3353 New Zealanders and it will be presented to Parliament tomorrow. I also gave an assurance that I will take further steps to progress a change in the law, including preparing a member's bill.

“The End of Life Choice Act was a landmark achievement for personal choice and dignity in New Zealand. The legislation ultimately passed was highly cautious, with strict safeguards against abuse, and was approved two-to-one by New Zealanders in a referendum.

“Now that the legislation has been in place for a number of years, we have heard powerful stories of people who’ve spent their last moments at a time and place of their choosing, surrounded by people they love.

“We’ve also heard the experiences of New Zealanders denied access to assisted dying despite having a terminal illness and being in enormous pain and in a state of irreversible decline. I believe they deserve dignity too.”

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