Seymour Bill A ‘Political Stunt’ – Minister of Health

Media Release 12 December 2017
Family First NZ is welcoming media comments made by the new Minister of Health during the election campaign regarding David Seymour’s euthanasia bill, including the commitment that he will vote against it.
Labour MP Dr David Clark said he supported the health select committee investigation into euthanasia which received over 21,000 submission of which 80% were opposed to euthanasia.
Dr Clark said it had been a productive process involving a large part of the community in a “mature discussion”, and that Seymour’s bill “is a political stunt that will give profile to David Seymour.”
“Dr Clark is completely correct. The government report released in August revealed a massive level of opposition to euthanasia, and explains why a select committee comprising both proponents and opponents of assisted suicide could not endorse any change to the law. They understand that promotion of assisted suicide is a message that will be heard not just by those with a terminal illness but also by anyone tempted to think he or she can no longer cope with their suffering – whatever the nature of that suffering. This is the real risk to young and to vulnerable people, the disabled and elderly people if NZ follows the path of promoting – and allowing – assisted suicide,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.
ENDS