Euthanasia referendum: Should Kiwis have the right to die with ‘dignity’? – Stuff.co.nz

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How do you think you would feel if a close relative battling a terminally illness chose voluntary euthanasia?

Kiwis are set tovote on whether euthanasia should be legalisedinone of two referendums at this year's general election in September.

If endorsed by the public in a referendum,the new lawwill allow those who are terminally ill to request assisted dying.

The patient must be the first to suggest assisted dying, and two doctors must agree that the patient is well-informed and other legal criteria are met.

Euthanasia is a debate this country has had before. It's divisive, emotive and a hugely important debate to be had over personal rightsthat should not be shiedaway from.

Thebill to legalise voluntary euthanasiawas originally introduced in September 2015following a landmark right-to-die case fromLecretiaSeales, the 42-year-old Wellington lawyer, whodied of natural causes.

Her legal battle reignited the right to die with dignity debate. And now the issue is back on the table.

What are your views?

How do you think you would feel if a close relative battling a terminallyillness chose voluntary euthanasia?

Do you think the proposed legislation is thorough enough? Or do you believe more changes are needed?

To share your thoughts withStuff, hit the bigbutton below. We prefer submissions between 400-800 words. App users: emailstuffnation@stuff.co.nz.

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Euthanasia referendum: Should Kiwis have the right to die with 'dignity'? - Stuff.co.nz

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