About

We believe terminally ill New Zealanders should have choice and control at the end of life, including the option of requesting life-ending medication in the final six months of life.

How we began

The End of Life Choice Bill was passed by Parliament in 2019. Shortly afterwards, the End of Life Choice Act Referendum Society formed. We launched Yes for Compassion to make sure the public is well informed about the legislation ahead of the historic vote in October 2020. Our collective expertise spans medical, legal, political, Māori and religious perspectives.

Your YES vote in the End of Life Choice referendum means people with terminal illness can:

01

Have the choice

The law we’re voting on is a safe way to give choice to people who are dying, with strict criteria and safeguards. Terminally ill New Zealanders should have the choice to end their suffering on their own terms. Now or in the future, someone we love might need our YES vote.

02

Stay in control

The End of Life Choice Act means people with a terminal illness can control how, when and where they die; at home, with loved ones around them, avoiding prolonged and painful deaths. This law will give dying people back the control their illness has taken away.

03

Experience compassion

New Zealanders are kind people. We trust one another to make decisions in all aspects of life, knowing what’s right for us. Why should death be any different? More than 150 million people around the world live in a place where some form of assisted dying is legal. Passing this law in New Zealand is the compassionate thing to do.

Our Supporters

Rt Hon Helen Clark
Rt. Hon Helen Clark
Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
Rt Hon John Key
Rt. Hon John Key
Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
Sir Geoffrey Palmer
Sir Geoffrey Palmer QC
Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, lawyer and writer
Dame Margaret Sparrow
Dame Margaret Sparrow
Medical doctor, choice advocate and author
Philip Patston
Philip Patston
Disability Awareness Campaigner
Catherine Marks
Catherine Marks
Lawyer at Russell McVeagh
Tim Clarke
Tim Clarke
Lawyer at Russell McVeagh
Mary Panko
Mary Panko
President of the End of Life Choice Society
Dr Jack Havill
Dr Jack Havill
Fellow of the College of Intensive Care Medicine ANZ
Professor Andrew Geddis
Professor Andrew Geddis
Faculty of Law, University of Otago
David Seymour
David Seymour MP
Leader of the ACT Party
Michael Cullen
Sir Michael Cullen
Former Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand and Attorney-General
Dr John Harman
Dr John Harman
Surgeon and Founder of St Marks Breast Centre, Auckland
Michele A’Court
Michele A’Court
Comedian and writer
Andrew Butler
Andrew Butler
Barrister
Paula Bennett
National Party MP

Our Board

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.