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Chamber and committees

New Zealand's End of Life Choice Referendum

  • Submitted by: Mark McDonald, Aberdeen Donside, Independent.
  • Date lodged: Friday, 30 October 2020
  • Motion reference: S5M-23201

That the Parliament recognises the decision by the people of New Zealand to endorse the End of Life Choice Act 2019 in a binding referendum; notes that the law had support of both the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, and leader of the opposition, Judith Collins; understands that the law is expected to come into effect in November 2021 and will afford people with a terminal illness that is likely to end their life within six months, and who are assessed as being able to make an informed decision, to be able to ask for assisted dying; believes that safeguards built into the legislation protect against people being considered eligible on the basis of age, disability or mental illness alone; understands that people who have a recognised terminal illness, and are able to make an informed decision, should have the right to request assisted dying as a means to enable dignity at the end of their life; welcomes New Zealand's decision to join what it sees as the growing number of nations that support dignity in dying for those who wish agency at the end of their life; understands that a recent BMA poll suggested that a majority of its members are now in favour of assisted dying, and hopes that legislation might be brought forward in the next session of the Parliament to enable Scotland to provide choice at the end of life.


Supported by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, John Finnie, Alison Johnstone, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Ruth Maguire, Liam McArthur, Gil Paterson, David Torrance