Broad Alliance Launched to Oppose Legalising Euthanasia

A coalition, assembled to oppose the legalisation of euthanasia and assisted-suicide in New Zealand, was formally launched last Thursday to at a function at Parliament.

The Care Alliance is an umbrella organisation that brings together a wide range of voices from across the palliative, medical, youth, elderly, disability, bioethics and faith sectors who are opposed to euthanasia.

The Alliance was established in 2012 in opposition to the poorly written, confusing and flawed End of Life Choice Bill proposed by a Labour List MP which has since been withdrawn following political pressure.

Photo www.edutopia.org

The Director The Nathaniel Centre, the New Zealand Catholic Bioethics Centre, speaking about the need for such a body said, “In my fairly extensive experience it is extremely difficult to have a balanced and informed debate in New Zealand about this issue – I am talking about the sort of open and fair debate that enables people to appreciate the real complexities of this issue; the sort of debate that enables everyone to have their say including those from a faith background and those of no faith.”

“That is why the Care Alliance is so important … without groups like this my fear is that a truly informed and open debate about euthanasia and assisted suicide simply wouldn’t happen in New Zealand.”

The Care Alliance is an umbrella organisation that is focused on bringing together the wide range of voices across New Zealand which oppose euthanasia and assisted-suicide. Individuals and organisations involved reach across the palliative, medical, disability, elder care, youth, bioethics, and faith sectors.

With permission of Cathnews   newsletter@cathnews.co.nz