New Zealand to legalize Euthanasia

(Worthy News) – New Zealand is set to become the seventh country in the world to legalize euthanasia, the Christian Post reports. The decision to allow the terminally ill to end their lives was made in a national referendum on October 17. While the votes are still being counted, and the final result will be announced Friday, the referendum is expected to pass with a wide margin.

The referendum question about euthanasia concerned those who have six months or less to live. At the same time as being asked about euthanasia, New Zealand citizens were asked if they are in favor of legalizing cannabis. The majority voted “no” to the cannabis question.

Preliminary polling showed that 65.2% of New Zealanders are in favor of euthanasia, while 33.8% are against the End of Life Choice Act passed by parliament in 2019, the Christian Post reports. Among those who approve of the measure is New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of the Labour Party.

The new law will take effect one year after the final results are announced. According to the new legislation, two doctors will have to agree to the decision of a terminally ill person to end their lives.

The other countries where are euthanasia is legal are Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada and Colombia.

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