New Zealand votes in favor of legalizing euthanasia.
This decision makes the country the seventh in the world to legalize assisted dying.
Earlier this month, New Zealand’s government included a referendum on euthanasia, as well as the recreational use of marijuana on the ballot paper for the general election.
While more than half of voters claimed to be against cannabis legalization, 65% of the counted votes were in favor of making assisted death legal, LADbible reports. However, there are still half a million postal votes that need to be counted.
The new euthanasia law will come into place in November next year.
From November 2021, New Zealand terminally ill patients over the age of 18 will be given the right to arrange their own death, if they have less than six months left to live. They will also need the professional approval of two doctors.
The final results of the referendums are expected to be announced next Friday, November 6.
Earlier this month, Ardern’s Labour Party won a landslide victory in the general election.
Credits: PA
In an official statement regarding her triumph, the prime minister said:
“Tonight, New Zealand has shown the Labour Party its greatest support in at least 50 years. We will not take your support for granted. And I can promise you, we will be a party that governs for every New Zealander.”
Many believe that Jacinda Ardern won the votes of the majority of New Zealanders thanks to her efficient management throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
