letter from New Zealand
As I have written previously, New Zealand is often at the cutting edge of progressive law making. With euthanasia it is no different; we are amongst 19 jurisdictions in the world where it is legal to request medical help to die.
The End of Life Choice Act came into force on 7 November 2021: as a result almost 1,000 people have been euthanised. When the law was introduced the Ministry of Health was required to review it after three years. The review was published at the end of November 2024, and many of the recommendations made are alarming for those who believe in the sanctity of life.
A particularly concerning one is found in Recommendation 1 of the review. If implemented, health-care professionals will be required to explain all the treatment options for a terminal illness, including the option to choose an assisted death. Up until now doctors have been prohibited from raising the issue of assisted death; currently the patient must bring the topic up themselves. Doctors have also been allowed to conscientiously object to the practice, and therefore not be required to discuss assisted dying if a patient does bring up the issue. If the new recommendation is implemented, doctors who agree with assisted dying, whose opinions inevitably influence patient choices, can freely recommend assisted dying. It will also mean doctors who have ethical objections will have to ‘make people aware of assisted dying as an option (in line with good clinical practice)’. For Christian medical professionals these types of law changes make it harder to practice both medicine and their Christian faith.
Many people argue that euthanasia is a necessary evil to alleviate unnecessary suffering. But as we read the Bible, we come to the conclusion that no suffering is unnecessary because it is part of the Creator’s plan for His people. I am not in acute physical pain, and I am not facing death, so perhaps one would argue I am ill qualified to make this comment. But the Bible promises we will suffer; Jesus suffered immense physical pain during His crucifixion. It also promises that suffering will transform our character, and have an impact on those around us. Joni Eareckson Tada is a quadriplegic and has no movement from below her collarbone. She writes: ‘If I love God, suffering does not ultimately matter. Christ in me is what matters. Pain does not cease to be pain, but I can “rejoice in suffering” (Rom. 5:5) because the power of God in my life is greater than suffering’s vice-grip can ever be.’ As Christians who believe in a completely good and sovereign God we need to think carefully about the implications of assisted dying and what our opinions on it say about the value of life.
