Warwick Smith\/Stuff<\/p>\n
Sarah Ridsdale is organising a public meeting for journalist and author Caralise Trayes to speak about euthanasia, the topic of her recently published book.<\/p>\n
A first time voters keen interest in the euthanasia referendum has led her to organise an event on the issue.<\/p>\n
Sarah Ridsdale, 19, from Palmerston North, will vote for the first time on October 17.<\/p>\n
She said one of the confusing parts of this years election was that the euthanasia referendum was binding while the cannabis referendum was not.<\/p>\n
A binding referendum means that the result must be acted upon or implemented.<\/p>\n
READ MORE:* Election 2020: How will Taranaki candidates vote in the cannabis, end of life referendums?* MPs vote 69-51 to pass David Seymour's End of Life Choice bill* Euthanasia referendum on the cards after tight vote in Parliament<\/p>\n
STUFF<\/p>\n
What is the euthanasia referendum and what are you voting for? The End of Life Choice Act explained.<\/p>\n
Ridsdale wanted to be able to make an informed decision on euthanasia and came across the book The Final Choice End of Life Suffering: Is Assisted Dying the Answer?<\/p>\n
It was really helpful to read about the big personal points of view, as well as the more technical aspects of the law.<\/p>\n
The End of Life Choice Act had been passed in Parliament, but would only become law if more than 50 per cent of people voted in favour of it.<\/p>\n
Ridsdale wanted to help other people get informed, so they too could make a calculated decision.<\/p>\n
We have a belief that its never OK to end another persons life, and this law says that, under some circumstances, it is. Thats a big change in mindset, we need to think about this carefully<\/p>\n
The Final Choice author Caralise Trayes will speak at the event, with insights into what she learnt while researching and writing the book.<\/p>\n
Trayes interviewed more than 20 experts on both sides of the argument, including those with terminal illnesses, lawyers, doctors, ethicists and clerics.<\/p>\n
Director of palliative care at the Arohanui Hospice Dr Simon Allan will also speak at the event. <\/p>\n
It will be a family affair, with Risdales father as MC, her brother and sister on music, and her mum helping with its organisation.<\/p>\n
Two sessions on the euthanasia referendum will be held at the Globe Theatre in Palmerston North on September 16, at 3.30pm and 7pm.<\/p>\n
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Election 2020: First-time voter wants to help others make an informed decision on euthanasia - Stuff.co.nz<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Warwick Smith\/Stuff Sarah Ridsdale is organising a public meeting for journalist and author Caralise Trayes to speak about euthanasia, the topic of her recently published book. A first time voters keen interest in the euthanasia referendum has led her to organise an event on the issue Continue reading