Nearly 2500 New Zealanders have applied for a physician-assisted death since the End of Life Choice Act came into effect in November, 2021. As at 24 September, 970 had died this way.
Some advocates of assisted dying want to broaden the eligibility criteria. Hospice CE, Wayne Naylor says better access to palliative care was needed, instead.
"We want to see the focus shifted away from assisted dying, and more attention on "the need for better access to palliative care across the country".
"While assisted dying remains controversial, "what is not under debate on both sides is that every person with a terminal illness has a right to high-quality palliative care as an essential part of our national health system".