He claims to respect the Hippocratic Oath, yet advocates the killing of his patients. The World Medical Association in 1992 stated that "physician-assisted suicide is unethical, and must be condemned by the medical profession". A patient's right to decline treatment remains in place, but not to request assistance to commit suicide. So Mr Jonquiere chooses to ignore the advice and guidance of his peers - worldwide.
Finally, one of the co-founders of the 2002 Netherland's euthanasia law reform, Theo Boer, who also was a member of one of the supervising regional panels, has now recanted his support for any euthanasia law.
Professor Boer had argued seven years ago that a "good euthanasia law" would produce relatively low numbers of deaths. He now believes the very existence of a euthanasia law turns assisted suicide from a last resort into a normal procedure.
The Netherland's euthanasia death rate doubled within six years, and was expected to treble by 2014.
Most people envision a person suffering terribly from an incurable disease, and recall the articles presented by the media explaining why NZ law has to change to accommodate these peoples' wishes to "die with dignity".
Considering the somewhat (at times) rocky emotional and mental development of teenagers, and proposed finer points of the law, the background of our visiting promoter and the evidence from the Netherlands, concern should be voiced.
What is missing in our society is adequate care and compassion.
An environment of personal loving support with a maximum of professional medical help is the solution that carries the most dignity and respect.
Any New Zealander who supports the core values of life, respect, true human dignity, and professional accountability, should reject any consideration of this law entering our country.
