"This man is not being charged with murder and could receive a non custodial sentence. What about the woman who did the same for her family member and was sent to jail."

If the woman you are speaking of is the Wanganui case then I consider both cases were similar and neither should have even been charged!

"A 16 year old provided the means for a friend to hang himself, then walked away and left him to it. Sadly the youths intentions were for real and the 16 year old was charged. Was this fair? "

An entirely different set of circumstances and he certainly should have been charged.

As for me, if I am ever in that situation I would hope that one or other of my family would act for me and not be charged as I have made my wishes widely known and have put them in writing.

That could be one of the deciding points I think when one makes ones wishes known early while in relatively good health and in sound mind!

"Trouble is most of those if's abd but's seem to be requested by the victim without any witnesses so you are just taking the word of a murderer."


And isn't that rather the point OJ;if assisted voluntary euthanasia was legal,then it would be quite clear legally that it was in accordance with the wishes of the person,rather than as you say, just taking the word of the person who'd assisted.


"That could be one of the deciding points I think when one makes ones wishes known early while in relatively good health and in sound mind!"

I think so too Bryan,that seems to me to be the important part. Having made quite sure everyone is well aware of your wishes should the need arise.

TV7 is interviewing Sean Davisons lawyer right now. I recommend viewing.

The Sunday-Star Times readers poll of more than 1000 has shown that more than 85% of respondents in a survey supported voluntary euthenasia.It also found that three quarters of those surveyed would help a terminally ill relative to commit suicide. and that that support for a law change was highest among men and those over 60.

Labour M.P Maryan Streets private members bill will have to be drawn from the ballot to get a hearing but Maryan said the reader poll had the highest support she has ever seen, with most polls getting 75% backing for a law change.
Maryans Bill includes three levels of protection.The first is for the patient themselves. They would have to be tested by two physicans to prove they are of sound mind and understand what they are asking for, and the consequences.The next is for doctors,so they are not compelled to assist if it doesn't fit their beliefs,and to protect them from criminal liability if they help.And the third one is for a loved one who agrees to assist People who have been asked by their loved one should be protected from criminal liability.

Interesting times ahead,I think. Though I don't believe this has a chance of being made law any time soon.

My sister recently passed away in hospital, from what could have been an extremely painful end but for the morphine. It was not cancer. After being told there was no treatment she was promised a painless journey and this was what she had with a continuous supply which kept her semi sedated with moments of recognition and smiles.

Her witty ripostes had us lauging at times and she was obviously dreaming. Her tranquility at this time was a comfort to us all. Her strong heart and lungs kept her going longer than was expected and it could have been a horror story. Her heart gave up when all else had gone. She was 73

My husband was the same, he died in his bed at home and I wonder if keeping them out of time regimented hospices could make for a more comfortable death.

So sorry to hear of the recent passing of your sister. As we all get older it is sad to have to watch friends and relatives go. Death is an unfortunate fact of life and when it is our time it's a case of different strokes for different folks.

Oh that a "One size fits all" solution could be found. Having a problem that the doctors tell you they cannot do anymore for and to go home and enjoy what you can is not easy as I know from experience. Personally I am happy to be at home and live as normal life as I can but wife get's annoyed when I over do it at times. Half of the battle is having the pain relief at hand to use as needed but at the same time there are times when one seems to be a burden and worry for loved ones and one wonders whether it would be easier to let someone else worry about your care.

The most frustrating thing I have found is sitting at the window watching as a 73 year old watching a 93 year old neighbour trotting down the road to do her shopping and wondering if I have the energy to walk to the garrage to get the scooter out!

My condolences, Joybel, for your loss.

I have concerns about euthanasia, about how it could be abused, and I've stated what those are; but I also feel people have a right to an end of life in the time and way of their choosing, now that we have the means to grant that.

I think I would be happiest if NZ poured research & development money into Palliative Care as a prerequisite. If we could be sure that we had the best end of life care and pain management in the world with euthanasia as an added option perhaps the need for premature fear driven euthanasia might not occur?

Arandar, I have a deep and abiding respect for palliative care.We cannot always be sure we will get it however as many places are not experienced. I had a close tramping friend who was a palliative care nurse @ Nurse Maude and she got suddenly Cancer of the spine and she went quickly in something like 6 weeks in the care of her own friends @ Nurse Maude inc
I have older friends who have stockpiled there pills so they can choose the moment. . ..

Arandar,I had great difficulty & guilt as I may have already said on another thread in dealing with my late first wifes requests to "do something" when she was on a morphine pump which dose was adjusted each day or several times a day by doctors written instructions to nurses caring for her @ St Winifreds Hospital .She had terminal cancer and Alzheimers.

Exactly, Doc, there is such a wide range and availability of palliative care in New Zealand and far too many people cannot access it when they need it. If we could be assured of our pain being controlled and our fear of the known and unknown assuaged, our passing on might not be so terrifying.

Not to take lightly what is being discussed, I wonder if it is not a bit like our dread of the dentist - we remember what we experienced in our youth and fear a repeat despite great advances in pain management and dental surgery in general.

You should not feel guilty for what you did or did not do, Doc, and you should not blame yourself or anyone else for what happened. Instead, put your knowledge and understanding to work, help to ensure others do not have to go through what you did, what your late wife did.

That is what this site and this thread is all about, isn't it, trying to learn life's lessons, trying not to repeat the same mistakes, trying to help others, trying to make a difference?