Editorial: MPs let us down on death with grace

Auckland man Evans Mott has been charged with helping his chronically ill wife commit suicide.

Rosemary Mott, 55, suffered an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis. Police claim Mott agreed to help research suicide methods and assemble a kit with which his wife could kill herself.

Mrs Mott reportedly timed her death around important family occasions. She lived long enough to meet a new grandchild and celebrate Christmas with her family.

Then, on December 28, 2011, she asked her husband to leave the house for several hours.

When Mott returned, his wife was dead.

Mott, 61, has been charged with assisting his wife to commit suicide. He will appear in the Auckland District Court this month. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 14 years prison.

I am infuriated at the gutlessness of the Members of Parliament who voted down the Death with Dignity Bill in 2003. The bill, introduced by NZ First MP Peter Brown, would have allowed terminally and incurably ill people the opportunity to request assistance from a medically qualified person to end their lives in a humane and dignified way, after medical confirmation, a psychiatric assessment, counselling and personal reflection.

MPs voted 60 to 58 against the bill advancing to select committee.

Of course, there must be measures in place to ensure those being assisted to die are fully aware of the choice they are making and robust ethical debate about which medical practitioners could be involved in assisted deaths. And, of course, this is a delicate area which could be exploited by those with murderous intentions.

This bill would have been tough territory to navigate, but that doesn't excuse our elected representatives from tackling the issue.

The MPs who failed to advance this bill have done this country a disservice.

The fact Mrs Mott had to die alone, rather than holding her husband's hand, is tragic. It has also been reported that the Motts feared the suicide method she chose could lead to brain-damage.

If Mrs Mott wanted to die, why could she not do so with her family around her, with a medical expert's assistance, with the same comforts we afford our pets?

This man should not be charged for allegedly helping to end his wife's suffering. By all reports, Mrs Mott's family supported her decision and the sooner we move to a system which places greater emphasis on the wishes of an individual and their family, the better.