At least 65% of voters in New Zealand supported the legalization of mercy killing for patients in critical condition. The law will take effect a year after the official result is published this coming November. Citizens of New Zealand over 18 years of age with a terminal illness that cannot be reversed may be eligible for euthanasia.
CNN: Thousands of New Zealanders who might have suffered excruciating deaths will have choice, dignity, control, and autonomy over their own bodies, protected by the rule of law
According to CNN, the law contains several stipulations for those eligible to receive “assisted dying.”
The person must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident over the age of 18 with a terminal illness “likely to end the person’s life within 6 months”; is in an “advanced state of irreversible decline in physical capability”; and is experiencing “unbearable suffering that cannot be relieved in a manner that the person considers tolerable.”
They would have to be evaluated by multiple medical professionals, including one from a government-appointed medical practitioner.
