Warning: This article mentions suicide.
Nadine Higgins, guest host of The Project, has given a moving explanation of why she supports the End of Life Choice Bill.
David Seymour's euthanasia Bill is in the midst of its second reading, with MPs casting conscience votes to determine whether it will take another step closer to becoming law.
It's a controversial subject that divides many New Zealanders, but Higgins is a firm supporter.
"Late last year my dad died in agony," she tearfully told her fellow hosts during Wednesday evening's episode.
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"I don't think that's how anyone should go. He wasn't a particularly great dad or a particularly good man, but I don't think anyone deserves to die like that."
She says if euthanasia had been a legal option, things might have gone differently for her father and maybe he would have suffered less.
"I don't know if he would have engaged anyone in that conversation, he might have just gone ahead and done it because he was terrified of suffocating and that's basically what happened."
Matt Vickers, whose wife Lecretia Seales died while fighting in the courts for the right to end her life, is another strong supporter of the Bill.
He told The Project he's "quietly confident" it will pass its second reading, which he says is important for everyone in the country.
"A lot of people have put a lot of effort into this debate taking place, and if it doesn't go through tonight then that debate is cut short. We really need to see this debate through to the end, and that's going to take a yes tonight."
He doesn't know if legally assisted dying would have helped his wife, but says she would have been "a whole lot more comfortable about it".
"What was really important to her was having the choice, and that was denied to her by the current state of the law."
But not everyone wants to see euthanasia legalised. A group of 1000 doctors have signed a letter saying assisted suicide is unethical and they want no part of it.
Claire Freeman is another critic of the Bill. After a car crash made her a high-level tetraplegic as a teenager, she says there were times when she wanted to die.
"Suicide can be a very seductive choice. I absolutely would have chosen to end my life. I was looking overseas because it wasn't available here and I do fit the criteria, and honestly, it scares me because I have a life that's so rich and meaningful."
She says having assisted suicide as an option devalues disabled people.
"Somebody who doesn't have a disability, they get given support, but we get offered suicide."
Vickers disputes Freeman's claim that she would have been allowed to end her life.
"Clare tells a really compelling story and I have a lot of sympathy, but she simply wouldn't qualify under the Bill as it's likely to be enacted."
Where to find help and support:
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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