End of Life Choice Act

The End of Life Choice Act was enacted by the New Zealand Parliament. It permits assisted dying in people with terminal illness. It was passed in 2019. It commenced in 2021.

Key Features of the Act

Anyone can request for the option of assisted dying under the act. However, the person receives it only if confirmed by a medical practitioner. The doctor should encourage the person to discuss with others before making the final decision. Also, the medical practitioner should do his best to ensure that the person is making the wish free from pressure from any other person. The person should sign a form in the presence of his medical practitioner. Also, a psychiatrist should confirm if the person is competent to make the decision. After the medication is administered, the doctor should inform the Ministry of Health that an assisted death has occurred. The registrar then forwards the matter to a review committee.

Criteria

The person undergoing assisted dying should meet the following criteria:

• The person should be a citizen of the New Zealand or a permanent resident of New Zealand
• His age should be 18 years or greater
• He should be suffering from terminal illness. The illness is likely to end his life within six months
• His medical condition should be in advanced state of irreversible decline in physical capability
• The patient should undergo unbearable suffering. And the suffering is such that it cannot be relived in any way

Informed Decision in the Act

The act says that the person should make an “Informed Decision” about assisted dying. The act defines “Informed Decision” as follows:

• The patient should understand the meaning of assisted dying.
• He or she should understand every information about assisted dying and should also retain the information to make the decision
• He or she should weigh up the information while making the decision
• The patient should communicate their decision in some way

Comparison with other laws

The End of Life Choice Act allows euthanasia and assisted dying similar to Western Australia and Canada. On the other hand, US allows only self administration of lethal dose, meaning, only assisted suicide is allowed in the US.