Hospices against euthanasia, MPs told
NewsHub 21 September 2016
Hospices have told told Parliament’s health select committee that they oppose changing the law to allow voluntary euthanasia.
The committee is listening to public opinion on voluntary euthanasia and will report its conclusions to Parliament in response to a petition asking for a law change.
On Wednesday Andrew Leys, chief executive of Hospice Southland, said his team was extremely concerned about a possible law change.
He told the committee hospice workers often faced questions about euthanasia from patients.
“The vast majority move beyond the point of wanting euthanasia,” he said.
“My team is concerned that voluntary euthanasia could lead to less support for people to help them cope with their circumstances.”
Mary Potter Hospice director Brian Ensor said hospices would have to be kept entirely seperate from any assisted dying.
“The last days of living should be made as comfortable as possible, and it may involve sedation,” he said.
READ MORE: http://www.newshub.co.nz/politics/hospices-against-euthanasia-mps-told-2016092115
