Making an on-line submission to the Health Select Committee on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide 7 easy steps

What is the petition for? The Health Select Committee has received a petition requesting: “That the House of Representatives investigate fully public attitudes towards the introduction of legislation which would permit medically-assisted dying in the event of a terminal illness or an irreversible condition which makes life unbearable.” The petition asks for a change to existing law.

What the Select Committee will do The committee will undertake an investigation into ending one’s life in New Zealand. In order to fully understand public attitudes the committee will consider all the various aspects of the issue, including the social, legal, medical, cultural, financial, ethical, and philosophical implications.

What the committee will investigate 1.The factors that contribute to the desire to end one’s life. 2.The effectiveness of services and support available to those who desire to end their own lives. 3.The attitudes of New Zealanders towards the ending of one's life and the current legal situation. 4.International experiences. The committee will seek to hear from all interested groups and individuals.

Parliament is listening Committee will seek to hear from all interested groups and individuals You and members of your parish can: Make a written submission 2 copies required Postage stamp required May be hand-written Make an online submission – 7 easy steps

Content of a submission Briefly state: – Your personal attitude towards Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide – One or more reasons why you hold that view Consider: – The Bishops’ booklet: Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: Myths and Facts – Nathaniel Centre guideline for submissions on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide Key Arguments – Do your own research on line

Key arguments For some examples of the key arguments against Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide see

7 EASY STEPS TO MAKING AN ONLINE SUBMISSION

Step 1 Visit the Parliament website at Click on “Select Committees”

Step 2 Click on “Make a Submission”

Step 3 Click on “Petition of Hon Maryan Street and 8974 others”

Step 4 Scroll down the page and click on the “Captcha” symbol that matches the words – e.g. this one asks you to “Click or touch the Flag” Then click on “Make an online submission”

Step 5 Double-check that you have selected the right subject for your submission

Step 6 Fill in all fields marked with an asterisk. You have 2 options: 1. Upload a previously written submission from your computer OR 2. Type directly into the “Compose a brief submission” box. Your submission should briefly explain your attitude towards Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide, and why you hold that view

Step 7 Then click “Submit” Job done!

You will make a difference! Some sources of information The Bishops’ booklet on Euthanasia Online: Prayerful consideration of the complexity and dangers of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide