Comments on: Statement Made at Press Conference – 5 June 2015

By: kristiane discombe

kristiane discombe — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 15:08:39 +0000

I am in the same position at 33, my wishes and requests are the same when the time comes. .. I may only have few years but I’m prepared to battle. Please let me know how I contribute and or continue this fight. I have a 3 yr old son with adhd and autism when I lose my faculties I do not wish that my child receives less attention because of my illness. My son needs and deserves a significant amount of support and attention and as I deteriorate with this diseases I already struggle to provide and cater for his needs. Please advise how i can contribute?

By: del

del — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 23:26:32 +0000

Thank you for sharing and i believe it is time this debate was put to a legally binding referendum.

By: Trish Little

Trish Little — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 21:26:01 +0000

Our hearts go out to you Matt, and Lecretia’s family at this difficult time. Your commentary is so succinct and we stand with her and you in pleading with our ‘powers that be’ to be brave enough to debate this very sensitive issue.
Lecretia’s bravery has not been in vain. Her legacy will live on as she has brought this topic to the forefront, not just to the politicians but to us, the community, many of us who have suffered along with loved ones and felt so helpless in the journey they’ve had to undertake.
Our thoughts and best wishes continue to be with you.

By: Colin

Colin — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 05:20:11 +0000

Having a law in place which recognizes advanced directives will be a sensible option. This immediately removes some of the threats that the anti assisted death groups talk about. If the law requires the patient to make an advanced directive when cognitively intact, as Lecretia effectively had done, then it is their choice. This would mean that relatives, even those with power of attorney, could not simply have relatives euthenased.
I have seen many people spend days dying in a state of unconsciousness, Chayne-Stoke breathing and incontinence. Their families saying that the patient had never wanted to be like that. Fortunately for me these have all been patients not my relatives.
The law needs to change and change soon. As Matt said there are health care professionals who want to see this change and will support patients like Lecretia – I am one of them.
I am a nurse not a lawyer but I suspect that a law that allows advanced directives but prevents the culling of the disabled and the elderly is achievable. All we need is for Parliament to do what Judge Collins has given them to do.
It is encouraging that Lord Carey and Desmond Tutu, both retired Anglican archbishop’s, have stated that they support assisted death. In Tutu’s case it was because he say Nelson Mandela lose all his dignity.
Lecretia lost her court case and her life in a
matter of days. I can’t imagine how her family
and friends feel. She can’t be brought back to life but the other thing she fought for can be achieved by Parliament doing what is known to be supported by the majority of New Zealanders.
Making assisted death legal for those who want it does not make it compulsory for those who don’t.
What Lecretia, Matt and the legal team started is very important. I never met Lecretia but I won’t forget her or what she started.

By: Selwyn

Selwyn — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 00:46:36 +0000

Elegant argument Matt. I do hope we don’t have timid and gauche politicians

By: Aimee McCammon

Aimee McCammon — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 00:38:15 +0000

Articulate and intelligent. Thank you for continuing the debate in this incredibly important matter. It is time New Zealand stepped up to the plate in this issue. We are a country of heroes and dreamers who have stood up on so many social justice issues. God bless you and Lecretia for standing up and fighting for our rights. RIP Lucretia. X

By: trent kelly

trent kelly — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 23:19:46 +0000

It’s been a long time coming Matt and I’m sorry for your loss old mate my thoughts are with you and hope for a positive outcome for all those affected by similar circumstances

By: Jenny

Jenny — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 23:09:54 +0000

Lecretia’s efforts were not in vain….she made a huge difference in an extremely sensitive area….one day Lecretia’s Choice will become an accepted choice whether it is followed or not!

By: Wendy Morrell

Wendy Morrell — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 21:33:24 +0000

Under what must have been blinding heartbreak having just lost Lecretia, I salute you for the powerful deliverance of your speech and the courage you displayed.

Lecretia was nothing short of heroic and deeply ethical. And for the countless others in her position, keep banging that drum, Matt, until the government stands up and listens.

I am with you on this.

By: Julia Craig

Julia Craig — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 20:35:53 +0000

Eloquent and inspirational. Thank you for summing it up so well. It is Mercy we are looking for. Glad Lecretia passed without hearing the last ruling and that she didn’t suffer to the extent that she feared. You have both been very brave. Thank you for taking these actions. It is time for the Government to step up and take the challenge you have tasked them with. I’m sorry for your loss, Lecretia was an amazing woman who obviously touched many lives.