But Mr Seymour says in Parliament, it's a different story.

"I think at least a third are definitely on for it. Maybe a fifth are hardcore opposed for personal or spiritual or whatever reasons. There's a mushy middle in there I think we would get. We would get it through the first reading."

He'd have Paula Bennett's vote, the Deputy Prime Minister telling The AM Show she's leaning in favour - but would like to analyse the details, to ensure no one would be "coerced" into it.

Labour deputy Jacinda Ardern, also on The AM Show, said she would vote for it.

"The select committee was a good way to try and get MPs from across the House to work up some ideas and ways forward."

Mr Seymour's Bill wouldn't be the first on euthanasia Parliament has debated. In 1995, then-National Party MP Michael Laws had his Death with Dignity Bill drawn. It failed 29-61. In 2003, a similar Bill submitted by a New Zealand First MP failed 58-59.

Former Labour MP Maryan Street's End of Life Choice Bill was withdrawn from the ballot before it was drawn. Mr Seymour praised her efforts, and said he won't be backing down.

"I'm gonna keep my Bill in there as long as I'm a Member of Parliament because you can't lose forever."

The advantage he thinks his Bill has over what's come before is that it is very tight - patients need, among other things, two doctors' sign-off, be over 18, have a terminal illness or degenerative condition, and jump through various bureaucratic hoops. All cases are also reported back to Parliament.

"You can't walk into a hospital and do this by accident," he says.

Newshub.

See the article here:

Seymour keeping up the fight for euthanasia - Newshub