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If you or a loved one is thinking about assisted dying, speak to your doctor or find out about the Assisted Dying Service on the Health New Zealand website.
End of Life Choice Act 2019
The End of Life Choice Act 2019 is the law that makes assisted dying legal in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Act sets out:
- the legal framework for assisted dying
- who is eligible for assisted dying
- some important safeguards.
The Act passed into law following a majority ‘yes’ vote in a public referendum at the 2020 General Election. It came into force on 7 November 2021 and is being reviewed in 2024.
Review of the End of Life Choice Act
End of Life Choice Act 2019 – New Zealand Legislation
Assisted Dying Service (Health New Zealand)
The Assisted Dying Service is provided by Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora.
Clinical advisors at Health New Zealand provide information and support, alongside practitioners, to help a person and their whānau navigate the assisted dying process.
Assisted Dying Service – Health New Zealand
Assisted Dying Secretariat (Ministry of Health)
The Ministry of Health is responsible for regulating the Assisted Dying Service.
The Ministry’s Assisted Dying Secretariat also provides support to:
- the End of Life Review Committee
- the Support and Consultation for End of Life in New Zealand (SCENZ) Group
- the Registrar (assisted dying).
Assisted dying statutory roles and groups
Assisted dying work programme
The Assisted Dying Secretariat’s work programme includes:
- stakeholder and sector engagement
- monitoring
- funding and financial accountability
- policy standards and regulations
- improving regulatory systems
- maintaining the SCENZ Group lists of assisted dying practitioners.
