Euthanasia Advocates Make Strong Push In New Zealand, But Come Up Short.

While most readers of NRL News are up to speed on euthanasia-related activities in the United States, they may not be aware how actively euthanasia forces are pushing their agenda in Europe and in places in the Southern Hemisphere, such as New Zealand and Australia. Recently, anti-euthanasia forces had a very close call in New Zealand.

In June, a "private-members bill" was brought forward in the New Zealand Parliament that would have mandated a nationwide plebiscite on the question of legalizing euthanasia for "the terminal and incurable." The initial level of support clearly suggested that the vote would be very, very close.

An informal newspaper survey of lawmakers conducted by the New Zealand Press Association in early July found 37 members of parliament (MPs) voicing support while 33 responded they would vote against the measure. That left another 50 or so MPs who were either undecided or who refused to make their opinions known. Prime Minister Helen Clark announced her support for whatever pro-euthanasia measure might come to her desk.

Faced with such uncertainty, SPUC New Zealand and Right to Life of New Zealand invited Brian Johnston to help. Johnston is director of National Right to Life's Western Office, and author of the book Death As A Salesman: What's Wrong With Assisted Suicide. His work had helped defeat numerous state euthanasia bills as well as thwart euthanasia proposals in South Africa and elsewhere.

The organizations arranged for numerous public meetings and media interviews for Johnston. Johnston also was able to speak with key members of parliament before the vote. In addition RTL New Zealand sent copies of Johnston's documentary video Death As A Salesman to the 50 non-committed parliamentarians.

Lesley Martin, president of the pro-euthanasia EXIT New Zealand, predicted quick victory for the bill and subsequent passage of the referendum. She noted that opinion polls consistently show that 70-75% of New Zealanders would support legalizing euthanasia.

But when the vote was held in the New Zealand Parliament July 30 the measure failed by the narrowest of margins: 60 opposed, 58 in support, with one abstention.