New Zealand voted YES
in the End of Life Choice referendum
As part of the General Election held on 17 October 2020, New Zealanders were asked to vote on whether terminally ill individuals, who met strict criteria, could request medical help to end their lives. Two thirds of voters chose Yes in that referendum, and the End of Life Choice Act came into effect on 7 November 2021.
Yes for Compassion provided up-to-date, accurate and factual information about the End of Life Choice Act in the lead up to the 2020 referendum.
You can also read more about the referendum on the government’s website here.
Watch Newshub's
End of Life Choice Panel
New Zealand, you have a big decision to make in the End of Life Choice referendum.
Join Patrick Gower and guests to get informed before you vote…
Lecretia Seales 1973-2015 campaigned for end of life choice in New Zealand.
What is the proposed law?
The End of Life Choice Act will give terminally ill, mentally competent adults, with six months or less to live, the option to request life-ending medication to end their suffering.
Find Out MoreWhy support legal change?
Even with excellent hospice and palliative care, all suffering cannot be relieved.
We support the End of Life Choice Act because:
- Terminally ill New Zealanders should have the choice to end their suffering on their own terms.
- Dying people need control at the end of life, to die peacefully with loved ones around them.
- We want to live in a compassionate society where we trust fellow Kiwis to know what’s right for them.
Help us change the law
The End of Life Choice Act will only become the law if more than 50% of voters vote YES in the referendum on 17 October. Sign up to receive campaign updates by email.
Join UsDonate
To give dying people choice in New Zealand, we need to get as many people as possible to vote YES in the End of Life Choice referendum. Can you chip in now to help us reach them?
How do other New Zealanders feel about the End of Life Choice Act?
Kiwis from all walks of life are voting YES at the End of Life Choice referendum in October. Hear their stories and find out why they need your YES.
Bobbie needs your YES
Hi, I’m Bobbie and I’m living with cancer. Watch my video to hear why I need your YES on 17 October.
David wants a choice
Hi, I’m David and I have a terminal illness. Please watch my video and hear why I want choice at the end of my life.
