JAMIE SMALL

Last updated18:08, June 10 2017

GEORGE HEARD/FAIRFAX NZ

Professor Jan Bernheim from Belgium is considered one of the world's leading experts in palliative care and euthanasia.

Professor Jan Bernheimplanned his pro-euthanasia tour of New Zealand months ago, but had the good luck to be here when the parliamentary biscuit tin brought the issue into public debate.

Bernheim, a medical doctor and palliative care specialist from Belgium, spoke at a public meeting in Christchurch on Saturday.

Hesaid he was in Wellington on Thursday when ACT leader David Seymour'sEnd of Life Choice bill was drawn from Parliament's ballot.

Nearly 100attended the meeting, and notall were in favour of Bernheim'smessage.

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Bernheim, used to debating in a predominantly Catholic country with predominantly Catholic hospitals, made a point of the fact that some religious figureheads had acceptedor at least turned a blind eye toeuthanasia.

"More and more Catholic organisations really let their physicians act accordingly to their consciences."

One dissident, a Catholic named John Collier, voiced his opinion at the meeting.

"The Catholic Church in no way condones it," he said.

"Thou shalt not kill, and that's the end of it."

Another dissident, who did not give his name, said legalising euthanasia would alienate those doctors who did not want to perform it.

"That is a burden on the conscience of many doctors."

Bernheim said it was normal for doctors to refer patients to other specialists if they were unable, unqualified,or unwilling to perform a procedure.

"There are many gynaecologists... who do not perform abortions, and they are not out of business."

Euthanasia is legal in eight countries including Belgium and seven states in the US.

Bernheim said New Zealanders' support rates for euthanasia were similar to somecountries where it is legal: between 70 and 80 per cent.

"Of course, there are legitimate objections... this is a personal point of view."

His advice for New Zealand if it decides to legalise euthanasia:

"Don't make it too complicated... don't be cruel on patients."

Christchurch palliative care specialist Dr Wendy Pattemore told Stuffshe disagreed with some of Bernheim's arguments.

"The first thing is we're not Belgium."

She said the culture was different, and "hastening" death had been acceptable in Belgium for many years before Euthanasia was legalised.

"I do fear that if we do something like that, we will alter the fabric of our culture in many ways."

Pattemore said we should also take into account the views of New Zealand'sdiverse cultures, such as Maori, Pacific Islanders and Asians, who have different values to Europeans when it comes to the elderly.

"They would have a very different view of ending life."

She said euthanasia could affect the relationship between doctor and patient, because doctors are currently trusted to heal.

"[Euthanasia] has to change that dynamic."

Pattemore said she was concerned as people aged they could subconsciously consider themselves "dispensable", or a burden on their families and country.

"I think that would occur with our most vulnerable population."

She said palliative care was about helping people live well at the end of their life.

"What I see is people wanting to stay alive as long as possible.

"There's always a little bit of hope. Not to be cured, but to see that grandchild, or do that one more thing."

-Stuff

See the article here:

Advocate's advice to NZ if it decides to legalise euthanasia: Make it simple - Stuff.co.nz