By The Defender
A new peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Ethics in Mental Health, reveals that current data from European countries shows increases in suicide rates, when compared to suicide rates from countries who do not have assisted suicide or euthanasia available, debunking claims that legalising ‘assisted dying’ would reduce non-assisted suicides.
The study shows a significant increase in suicides among women. While we hope this won’t become the case here in New Zealand, unless there is serious and well-funded intervention, this seems likely in time.
Sometimes described as suicide contagion, proponents of the End of Life Choice legislation in New Zealand were quick to oppose arguments the legislation could cause more non-assisted suicides, even blatantly citing the opposite – that passing the legislation would reduce suicide deaths in New Zealand!
During second reading of the legislation here, ACT MP David Seymour, sponsor of the bill, categorically stated, “People have said, for instance, that assisted dying being legalised can lead to suicide contagion. There is no evidence for that claim”.
It now seems that Seymour was incorrect in the claims he made, and sadly, what has been unleashed in New Zealand, may likely follow overseas trends to see increases in non-assisted suicides compared to more prudent countries that have rejected this type of legislation.
National MP Chris Bishop suggested a perhaps 3-8% reduction in suicides due to legislation. Something not seen anywhere in the world as a result of introducing similar legislation.
In 2017, Government’s Health Select Committee report candidly remarks, “The Ministry of Health told us that there does not appear be any connection between assisted dying or euthanasia and rates of suicide.”
Valid concern of potential suicide increases were shut down, to the point where those begging caution were almost mocked for even daring to mention this potential societal effect.
However, this 2022 study clearly shows increases in non-assisted suicides, particularly in women – a very worrying revelation.
This new evidence raises serious and concerning questions about the effect of assisted suicide and euthanasia on New Zealand’s commitment to and strategy for suicide prevention.
Author of the study, Professor David Albert Jones, said that his study represented “further evidence that legalising assisted suicide or euthanasia will result in more people ending their lives prematurely”.
“It will not save lives. It will not help prevent suicide,” he stated.
“Legalising what is euphemistically called ‘assisted dying’ will endanger the lives of older people living with serious illness,” he added.
“We must say very clearly to all people irrespective of age, disability or illness, that they should not be made to feel that they are not a burden to the community. They are full members of our society and the human family. We are all enriched by their presence”.
In light of this new and startling evidence, we encourage our readers to become more active in this very real social issue unravelling in New Zealand.
#DefendNZ spokesperson, Henoch Kloosterboer, encourages reading the ‘six to fix’ petition, which highlights key deficiencies in the End of Life Choice Act, including secretive reporting and a lack of requirement an independent witness.
“We’ve created a platform where people can become informed on the issue within New Zealand. We’re committed to improving the law, supporting vulnerable Kiwis, and informing culture through articles like this one,” he explained.
Kloosterboer encourages people to stay in-the-know on the issue and to be on the lookout for opportunities to support others at the end of life in their communities.
