Right to Life advises that a similar letter has been posted to every Green and Labour MP

Mr Russell Norman MP,

Parliament Building,

Wellington.

25th June 2014

Dear Mr Norman

Euthanasia – Conscience Issue

We are aware that it is the intention of Maryan Street to return her bill, “End of Life Choice” bill to the ballot following the general election. This contentious bill may or may not be drawn during the term of the next Parliament.

Euthanasia is about doctors killing or assisting in the suicide of their patients. Both are serious crimes, found in the Crimes Act 1961, Part V III, Crimes Against the Person. The former under section 160 Culpable Homicide.  The latter under section 179.

(1) Homicide may be either culpable or not culpable.

(2) Homicide is culpable when it consists in the killing of any person—

(a) by an unlawful act; or

(b) by an omission without lawful excuse to perform or observe any legal duty; or

(c) by both combined; or

(d)by causing that person by threats or fear of violence, or by deception, to do an act which causes his or her death; or

(e)by wilfully frightening a child under the age of 16 years or a sick person.

(3)Except as provided in section 168, culpable homicide is either murder or manslaughter.

(4)Homicide that is not culpable is not an offence.

Section 179: Every one is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years who;

(a) Incites, counsels, or procures any person to commit suicide, if that person commits or attempts to commit suicide in consequence thereof; or
(b) Aids or abets any person in the commission of suicide .

These laws are there to protect the vulnerable in society. Euthanasia is a conscience issue. Should the bill of Maryan Street be introduced to the Parliament, I would be grateful if you would assist us by advising where your conscience stands, by responding to the following questions.

• Do you support in principle the Crimes Act being amended to allow for euthanasia?
• Would you personally vote for the “End of Life Choices” bill to be passed into law?

Thank you for seeking the common good for the citizens of our nation.

Yours sincerely

Ken Orr

Secretary

Christchurch, 8061.