12 August 2016

Health Select Committee officials should provide full analysis of public submissions

Matthew Jansen, Secretary of the Care Alliance, has called on Health Select Committee officials to provide a full analysis of the public submissions received in response to Maryan Street’s petition.

The Office of the Clerk reported this week that it is has already processed 21,435 submissions, with more than 1,800 people asking to appear in person when public hearings start later this month.

“One analysis shows that more than three-quarters of submissions are against the legalisation of euthanasia. Equally important is that the vast majority are unique rather than form submissions.“

“The real story is that the silent majority are finding their voice on this issue, and are refusing to be told how they are supposed to think by a small group of euthanasia advocates.”

Mr Jansen said that a proper analysis of the submissions would be helpful for politicians and the media to understand the real attitudes of the public. “This is an unprecedented response to a parliamentary inquiry, and it runs completely counter to the narrative peddled by Ms Street and others. The New Zealand public deserves a full analysis of this extraordinary result.”

ENDS

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