The Bishops also claimed the Act has no mandatory stand-down period, weak processes for detecting whether people feel pressured and no requirement for a patient to discuss their decision with a family member or other significant person.
A person would not be eligible to ask for assisted dying under the Act if the only reason they give is that they are suffering from a mental disorder or mental illness, or have a disability of any kind, or are of advanced age.
They must be a citizen or permanent resident over 18 years old, suffer from a terminal illness expected to end their life within six months, have significant and ongoing decline in physical capability, experience unbearable suffering that cannot be eased and be able to make an informed decision about assisted dying.
People who are eligible must also get approval from two separate doctors and go through an extensive checklist.
If any doctor believes the person is being pressured into the decision, the process must stop, and doctors cannot initiate a conversation about it.
Seymour says the religious leaders need to understand the End of Life Choice Act is about choice, dignity and respect.
"They may have a philosophical view that life belongs to God, and they have a right to their belief. They don't have the right to force it on others," he said in a statement.
"If the bishops want their freedoms respected, they need to engage in honest debate that respects others have difference choices from theirs."
- RNZ
