Some academics have recently suggested that conscientious objection is an unwarranted barrier to the provision of reproductive health care. In April 2013, the American Journal of Public Health published an article “Abortion Law Around the World: Progress and Pushback.” The authors perceive that there has been a rise in “unregulated conscientious objection”. They consider that this is a barrier for women trying to access lawful abortions. NZHPA believes that one inference that can be drawn from the article is that health professionals should be expected to “leave their conscience …Read More
Medical Aid in Dying – the “MAD” new phrase for Euthanasia
Please read the following link and view its associated video to learn about the illogical language used in euthanasia legislation. NZHPA maintains that Conscientious Objection must be protected for all health professionals who want nothing to do with the provision of euthanasia and assisted suicide. http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/a_mad_way_to_die_in_quebec
Empathy – The Emotion that Connects Us
Health professionals need to practice ethics of a high standard in order to provide excellent health care. They must have empathy with their patients. Empathy is a human emotion that connects people positively to one another. No matter what one’s role is as a health professional eg a nurse, a physician, a physiotherapist or a pharmacist, each health practitioner must show empathy in caring for a patient. An NZHPA mantra could be “Every health professional needs empathy!” You’re invited to click on the link as it portrays this message in a beautiful way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDDWvj_q-o8
Euthanasia by Stealth: The Slippery Slope
Once euthanasia or assisted-suicide is legalised for a select group, before long the argument is put that it’s discriminatory not to allow it for others, including those incapable of giving consent. Legalising euthanasia in any form will inevitably lead to euthanasia in all forms. Is this what we really want for New Zealand? Read here to see the risks: http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/news-brief/3864411-another-step-towards-euthanasia-children
University Professor Urges Medical Graduates to show Courage
Professor D Robin Taylor, University of Otago, Graduation Address Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Mayor, Members of the University Council, academic colleagues, graduating students, family members and friends – tena koutou, tena koutou,tena koutou. It is a great privilege to have been asked to give this graduation address. It is a special occasion for you as graduates, because today is a wonderful milestone in your lives either as a newly fledged doctor …Read More
Professor of Nursing writes about Alzheimer’s & Euthanasia Debate
Negative attitudes towards Alzheimer’s disease are an undue influence on the euthanasia debate, claims an Australian bioethicist and Professor of Nursing at Deakin University. Professor Megan-Jane Johnstone has examined the ‘Alzheimerisation’ of the euthanasia debate in a new book, Alzheimer’s disease, media representations and the politics of euthanasia: constructing risk and selling death in an aging society. “Alzheimer’s has been portrayed as the ‘disease of the century’ that is poised to have …Read More
Should medical staff be able to opt out on grounds of conscience?
Watch this topical debate on Conscientious Objection following a recent landmark Court ruling in the United Kingdom. Scotland Tonight looked at the issue of conscientious objection after the successful appeal by two midwives against an order to delegate, supervise, or support staff involved in providing abortions. NZHPA is very pleased to learn of the positive outcome to this case. Click on the image to watch the discussion. Discussion participants were Paul Tully of the pro-life group, Society for the …Read More
Nursing Voice Needed in Euthanasia Debate
A proposed new law allowing euthanasia and assisted suicide would put both nurses and vulnerable patients at risk says Julie Maher, RN, BA, MA. She is postgraduate co-ordinator and senior lecturer, postgraduate certificate in Hospice Palliative Care, Whitireia Community Polytechnic, Porirua, New Zealand. Julie is also a Member of NZHPA. Labour MP and health spokesperson Maryan Street has drafted a proposed new law – the End of Life Choice Bill. …Read More
Medical Council defends its abortion rules
The Medical Council is standing by its requirement that doctors ensure women have access to information on abortion services. It is not sufficient for doctors with a conscientious objection to inform a patient requesting an abortion that she can go to a Family Planning clinic or another doctor, the council’s lawyer told the High Court at Wellington today. Mary Scholtens QC is responding for the council to a challenge to …Read More