Decriminalising euthanasia will open flood gates - Family First

One family lobby group expects the flood gates would be opened up by decriminalising euthanasia.

The issue has come under the spotlight again as Labour's Maryan Street prepares a private members bill to give people the choice around how and when they finish their life.

Family First national director Bob McCoskrie is against the idea, saying it could be the start of a slippery slope.

"When we decriminalise euthanasia, we then send an underlying message to disabled, to sick people, to elderly people, even to socially disadvantaged people, that they can be a burden upon their families, upon the taxpayer."

Mr McCoskrie says they would then look to euthanasia as the perfect solution.

He says research from around the world shows voluntary euthanasia, with strict legal safeguards and reporting measures doesn't work.

He wants a shift in focus.

"At the end of the day I think we should be focusing on giving people quality and social palliative care rather than sending a message that euthanasia will simply solve the problem."

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