The Voluntary Euthanasia Society of New Zealand has as its object a change to the law to allow terminally ill patients, or those whose quality of life has diminished to an unacceptable extent, the right to a peaceful death with dignity at a time of their own choosing. The Society was formed from a merger in 2004 between the Voluntary Euthanasia Society (Auckland) Inc. and the Wellington Voluntary Euthanasia Society. There are branches in Auckland, Wellington, Kapiti-Horowhenua and Waikato; more branches in other centres are planned.
Auckland Branch meeting
at 3.00 pm on Saturday 18th February 2012
Come and join us to watch "How to Die in Oregon"
a film by Peter D. Richardson
at
Mt Albert Bridge Club Rooms, Wairere Avenue,
Mt Albert
In 1994, Oregon became the first US state to legalise physician-assisted suicide. As a result, any individual whom two physicians diagnose as having less than six months to live can lawfully request a fatal dose of barbiturate to end his or her life. Since 1994, more that 5000 Oregonians have taken their mortality into their own hands. In How to Die in Oregon filmmaker Peter Richardson gently enters the lives of the terminally ill as they consider whether - and when - to end their lives by lethal overdose. Richardson examines both sides of this complex, emotionally charged issue. What emerges is a life-affirming, staggeringly powerful portrait of what it means to die with dignity.
Tea and biscuits will be served and there will be a chance for discussion.
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24th November 2011
PRESS
STATEMENT
The Voluntary Euthanasia Society of New Zealand, as clearly stated in its objectives, is against the law under which Sean Davison pleaded guilty and was sentenced today.
Sean was unwillingly manipulated into pleading guilty to a diminished charge. But the law still rules and he is now a criminal, with all the consequences that entails.
The National Committee of VESNZ states "that all this shows that the present law is in tatters and must be changed to protect the rights of the sick person to choose his/ her own time to die, preferably with professional assistance."
The Voluntary Euthanasia Society NZ in calling for change in the law, supports Professor Davison in his fight for justice and now calls on those to be elected to the new Government, to give urgent attention to setting right this sad state of affairs"
Pat Hubbard
VESNZ Spkesperson
Pathubbard @xtra.co.nz