David Farrar: End of Life law working well

The annual report of the Assisted Dying Registrar is here. Some key aspects:

• There were 1,289 applications – a 13% increase

• 486 people, or 38% had an assisted death. These were all people dying within six months, who got to choose a peaceful pain free death on their terms.

• 3% of applicants changed their mind and withdrew their applications. It is good that people can do so, and do so if they are at all unsure.

• 306 people died while going through the process, or 24%. This suggests that either the process needs to be quicker, or that the due to die within six months should be extended to say 12 months so that they have a better chance of getting the death they prefer

• 80% of assisted deaths were aged over 65. 80% were also in palliative care.

• 86% of applications were found to be eligible. This shows that applications are not rubber stamped, but often rejected as ineligible. The system works.

• 17 applications were halted as the applicant had lost competence – again a key protection

David Farrar runs Curia Market Research, a specialist opinion polling and research agency, and the popular Kiwiblog where this article was sourced. He previously worked in the Parliament for eight years, serving two National Party Prime Ministers and three Opposition Leaders