Euthanasia debate polarises readers

DR ROB Jonquiere says he will be speaking in Wanganui on Sunday in a bid to calm fears about voluntary euthanasia.

However, the tour of New Zealand by the Dutch doctor, communications director of the World Federation of Right to Die Societies, has perhaps had the opposite effect, bringing fears over the concept of mercy killing into sharp focus.

That was only to be expected.

A subject of such sensitivity easily produces polarised views, and a Chronicle story about the doctor's talk at the Grand Hotel this weekend sparked a robust debate on our website and a slew of letters.

It is a debate we should not shy away from. On page 7 today, we report on three Wanganui women who support medically-assisted suicide and are happy for the conversation to get under way.

Their advocacy for euthanasia is based on ending pain and suffering when there is nothing left to live for, and on human dignity - a person's right to determine their fate and leave the embarrassment of helplessness, incontinence etc behind.

On the other side of the coin, opponents have argued that acceptance of assisted suicide will make it a more likely option at the expense of quality palliative care and that some people are euthanised without even asking for such an ending.

Mercy killing is illegal in New Zealand, and don't expect any change soon - there are few votes to be gained for any government passing such legislation. And, certainly, should any euthanasia law be passed, it would have to be utterly rigorous and replete with caveats and conditions to protect the vulnerable from any possible abuse. But experience tells us there are times when a peaceful, painless, medically-controlled farewell is what the patient wants and deserves. Should they be denied?