New Zealand to decriminalise euthanasia

Wellington: Preliminary referendum results of New Zealand showed over 65 per cent people voted for approval of euthanasia as an option for people with a terminal illness, the electoral commission announced on Friday.

Euthanasia refers to the practice of intentionally seeking medical assistance to end human lives as salvation from pain and suffering. By this, New Zealand will be the next country to legalise human euthanasia following Netherlands, Belgium, Colombia, Luxembourg, Western Australia and Canada.

Official results of the euthanasia vote will be published on November 6, and the law will take effect in November 2021.

As per the preliminary results of the poll conducted on October 17, along with the general election, 53.1% of voters have gone against legalising cannabis. More than 2.4 million people took part in the poll, however, nearly half a million postal votes are yet to be counted.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has secured another ruling term with an unparalleled majority win in the elections.