Faith, Medicine & Choice at the End of Life Webinar
More than 40 people attended CMFnz’s most recent webinar, which provided some wonderful insights into “Faith, Medicine and Choices at the End of Life”. We were joined by three guest speakers, Dr Amanda Landers (palliative care specialist), Dr David Tripp (general physician and intensivist) and Dr Wendy Pattemore (palliative care specialist). The session was chaired by Dr Steve Withington and addressed three key areas: general issues around end of life care, COVID-19 and the issues it raises around end of life care, and the End of Life Choice Act referendum.General issues around end of life careDr Landers and Dr
Select Committee Submissions on EOLC Bill
Information on Bill & Parliamentary ProcessYou can read the EOLC Bill here: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/member/2017/0269/latest/DLM7285905.htmlThis potential legislation is now being considered by the Justice Select Committee. Written submissions are now open and will close at midnight on Tue March 6th, 2018 (this is a 2 weeks extension from the original date). You can make a submission online:https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/52SCJU_SCF_BILL_74307/end-of-life-choice-billIt is expected the committee with also hear oral submissions (in person or via phone) and you can request to appear before the select committee in your written submission. This chart provides a helpful overview of the Select Committee process: https://www.parliament.nz/media/1876/the-select-committee-submission-process.pdf The family first organisation
Other Organisations Position Statements
What do other groups think? New Zealand Medical Association's Position Statement you can also read their recent submission to the Health Select Committee regarding their investigation into ending one's life in New Zealand.World Medical Association Declaration on EuthanasiaHospice New Zealand's OpinionThe Australian & New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine Position StatementPalliative Care Nurses New Zealand Society Position Statement
Videos
Videos related to Assisted Dying Dame Illora Finlay, a Welsh doctor and member of the House of Lords speaking about practical problems with euthanasia / physician assisted suicide. A video from a Canadian Law Professor, talking to Australians about if euthanasia is a medical treatment (a few years old, before Canada's recent law change). Discussion around the water cooler. Last Mile Home – A New Zealand documentary about end of life care If you haven’t had enough videos, you can find more at these websites: http://euthanasiadebate.org.nz/videos/ http://carealliance.org.nz/issues/video/ http://carealliance.org.nz/issues/disabled-dignity/
In Depth Resources
Euthanasia free NZEuthanasia-Free NZ Inc. is a nationwide network of individuals from diverse professional and social backgrounds, with diverse philosophical and political beliefs, united in the belief that the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide poses a great threat to the wellbeing of our society.Links to articles in peer reviewed journals about Euthanasia / Assisted SuicideFlaws in survey regarding attitudes to assisted dyingDifference between withdrawal of life support and euthanasia (Article by David E. Richmond)New Zealand Health Professionals AllianceNZHPA is an incorporated society that advocates for Freedom of Conscience in Health Care.Some of their articles you might find
End of Life Care
End of Life Care In the lead-up to the 2020 New Zealand general election, voters were presented with two significant referendum questions, one of which addressed the legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide. This referendum specifically asked whether the End of Life Choice Act 2019 should come into force, making assisted dying legal in New Zealand. The Act was subsequently enacted following the public vote and came into effect on November 7, 2021. CMFnz’s Position Christian Medical Fellowship New Zealand (CMFnz) is strongly opposed to euthanasia and any form of physician-assisted suicide. As an organisation of medical professionals, CMFnz