CORPORATE CAPTURE OF GLOBAL FOOD SYSTEMS ‘ THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE WEF AND UN FOOD  AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO)

CORPORATE CAPTURE OF GLOBAL FOOD SYSTEMS ‘ THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE WEF AND UN FOOD  AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO)

The Un / WEF Official Partnership was officially adopted 13th June 2019. With a Proviso to jointly  accelerate UN Agenda 2030 Global Goals across the world. (SDGs) Transforming Our Lives By 2030. Leaving No-one Behind- Everyone-Everywhere at Every Age. To collaborate Global Food Security * Transform Agri-food Systems. Resource Management * Digital Global Innovation * Public-Private Partnerships * Multistakeholder Capitalism

However there have been many critics that have raised multiple concerns primarily Civil Society Organizations about the Conflicts of Interests * The Influence of Private Corporation as whisperers in the ears of UN Agencies .This includes the Corporate Capture of the Global Food System and the UN FAO’s role in the Global Food Initiatives that include:-Strategic Partnerships with Corporations (a wide range of stakeholders) including UN Entities * Governments * Leaders of Civil Society and the Private Sector (The Mask they hide behind is (Eradicating Hunger- Poverty World Wide) Global Agenda 2030- SDG 1 and SDG2

The FAO (UN) works in a broader UN Framework in that of Food Security & Nutrition. Guiding Global, Regional and National efforts into Policy & Decision making. And encourages Multistake-holderism dialogue, developing common approaches to Global Food Systems. Supporting UN Member States to create coalitions of Public-Private Actors to foster Agri-food System Transformation. The deepening of institutional engagement as to Global Challenges such as Climate Change – Health – and the coined phrase ‘Sustainable Development

The WEF-UN Collaboration (Partnership) with the FAO (UN)..In 2022 they signed a Letter of Intent to facilitate the channeling of the Private Sector resources towards Transforming Agri-food Systems worldwide. The WEF launched the Food Innovation Hubs Global Initiative with FAO (UN) as the Collaborator. Leveraging Market Based Partnerships with Public-Private and Civil Society Partners to Scale Up Innovations

Critics have reported that the UNs growing collaboration with the WEF is a platform for Transnational Corporations that allows ‘Global Corporate Capture’ and a dialogue of  Global Decision Making. 240 Civil Society Organizations condemned the 2019 WEF-UN Partnership in an Open Letter stating that it ‘Delegitimizes the UN and weakens the role of UN Member States in Global Decision Making – Increasing the influence of corporations, promoting industrial, technological focused solution to Food Security which risks harming small scale farming practices, causing socio-economical problems. Favoring Corporate Interests over that of vulnerable populations-Threatening Human Rights.

Giving disproportionate power to Corporate Interests, undermining  the Democratic State Nature of the UN as it was originally set out to be. With the WEF & UN public-private relationship increasing investment in Agrifood systems, aborting traditional farming. Collaborating on Data & Digital conditions that produce WEF/UN Initiatives Eg: (One Map & the Future Market Place Playbook) With the FAO (UN) and WEF Co-publishing a White Paper titled ‘Transforming Food Systems for Country Led Innovation’

The WEF/FAO (UN) Food Summit and the Digital and Data Coalition. The WEF long standing relations with UN Agencies. The Alignment of Food Systems Transformation.  Inclusive Partnerships with common goals. The common goal of Transforming Global Food Systems. Providing Data and Stats crucial for informing Policy and Tracking Progress in the Transformation of Global Food Systems

Partnerships that are focused on attracting Investment for the Transformation of Global Food Systems, this includes how Food is Produced, Distributed and Consumed globally. The total destruction of the Free-market Enterprise Innovated Economy (The Freedom To Choose). Multistakeholder Capitalism Klaus Schwabs baby (600 Page Global Redesign Initiative 2010) Produced and adopted post the 2008-2009 World  Financial Recession. Adopted by Governments worldwide

Critics state that this approach shifts Economic Governance away from Competitive Markets towards a model of Self Appointed Group of Corporate and Political Elites. There are also many critics that view the annual DAVOS gatherings as an Undemocratic Opaque Governance Venue where powerful political and corporate leaders make decisions without accountability to the public they represent in UN Member Nation States thus diminishing National Sovereignty

Never let a Good Crisis Go To Waste. Large Corporate Interests that prioritize Conformity over Disruption. The WEF is accused of ‘Crony Capitalism’. Where Corporations use their influence to lobby for favorable regulations and protectionism through Legislations at the expense of a genuine Free-Market enterprising Innovative Economy. Corporations accused of Green Washing (ESG’s)

Initiatives such as the Great Reset proposed by the WEF, advocating for the restructuring of the Global Economy. The lack of Democratic Engagement within UN Member Nation States and Beyond -Globally that do not reflect the interests of UN Member State or Global Population interests but those of the Economical /Political Elite. The Stakeholder Capitalism model seeks to shift responsibility beyond shareholders to a broader group of stakeholders has been criticized as rebranding of the worlds economy. And the Erosion of National Sovereignty

The increasing influence of the WEF over UN Nation State policies and the erosion of National Sovereignty is not without serious concern. The WEF pushing for Global Governance Models that by-pass Nation State Legislatures without civil societies explicit consent. The WEF Global Digital Identification Systems, * Centralized Climate Policies * International Tax Frameworks all encroachments on Nation State Government and the voting public of the Sovereign Nation State. Decision making that cannot be challenged, hence the government is not held accountable by its voting  citizens

The WEF a strong powerful proponent of the Forth Industrial Revolution which encompasses Artificial Intelligence * Automation * Biotechnology being implemented even though populations worldwide have serious concerns about this push into a Technocratic Future of Controlling Forces of Compliancy. The WEF reporting its Vision ‘A Technology Driven Future that includes Mass Digital Surveillance which is being played out rapidly across the world eight now. AI Digital Identification Global Governance (Transforming Our Live by 2030. UN Agenda 2030 SDG 16.9 Everyone is to have a digital ID by 2030) Otherwise you wont be recognized as existing.

NZ participating in the WEF Pilot ‘Digital Regulations’. Without transparency. Did the Government share this information publicly? NO. Was there any public discussion- debate with  the population of NZ. No.  WEF mass digital surveillance, monitoring and a push for a ‘cashless society’. Digital Identity Systems. Government/Corporate surveillance restricting individual autonomy- freedoms- liberties. (Judith Collins Portfolio)

COVID 19 – The WEF played an increasing significant role in shaping Global Health Policies particularly during the COVID Pandemic. Collaborating with Organizations like the WHO (UN) and major Pharmaceutical companies (Big Pharma) to influence  Vax Policies, Digital Health Passes and Pandemic Preparedness Strategies. Concerns have been raised about the WEFs role in promoting policies that benefit Bif Pharma at the expense of transparency and Public Choice. The rapid push for vaccine mandates and Digital Health Passports seen by some as an over-reach prioritizing Corporate Interests over Individual Freedoms

The WEF and the UN have positioned themselves as a global force, with zilch accountability to National Sovereignty and the people whom vote political parties in. This empowers a small global powerful elite to shape the Global Future that do not align with the broader interests of Humanity. This is a global concentration of centralized power (Top Down and Bottom Up) that poses a huge risk to our personal- individual freedoms. Where Governments engage with the WEF /UN behind closed doors when they collaboration – plan to implement the Transforming Of Our Lives before 2030. (Leaving No-One Behind..Everyone..Everywhere.. At Every Age)

We No… What They Are Doing.. They Know- We know what they are Doing.. But they still keep on Doing it.. Yet there is a deafening Silence in the public Arena as the UN Member State Puppets implement ‘Transforming Our Lives By 2030’ Locking us into a Digital Prison. Industrial Corporate Global Food Systems and Smart City Surveillance-Monitoring-Facial Recognition.

WakeUpNZ.. RESEARCHER: Cassie

 

 

...

Other Blog Posts

ONE STATE REPORTS 1,700% INCREASE IN VAERS REPORTS AFER ROLL OUT OF COVID JABS

Health Alert on mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Safety was reported 15th February 2023. Referencing the Communications Office of News Media# Florida Health Government. The State Surgeon General notified the Health Care Sector and the public of substantial increase of Vax Adverse Event reporting (VAERS) in Florida after the COVID-19 Vax rollout.

In Florida alone there was a 1,700% increase in VAERS reports after the rollout of COVID19 jabs, compared to an increase of 400% in overall vaccine administration for the same period. The reporting of life threatening conditions increased over 4,400%. This is a novel increase and was not seen during the 2009 H1N1 Vax campaign. The State Surgeon General states’ there is a need for additions unbiased research to better understand the COVID-19 vax short and long term effects.

The findings in Florida are reported to be consistent with various other studies that continue to uncover such risks. After evaluating this the State Surgeon General wrote a letter to FDA and CDC illustrating the risk factors associated with the mRNA COVID-10 vaccines, emphasizing the need for additional transparency.

The State Surgeon General referred to a number of studies associated with an excess risk of serious adverse events, including coagulation disorders, acute cardiac arrests, other cardias acute events, Bells Palsy and encephalitis In one of the studies the risk was 1 in 550 individuals, which is much higher than in other vaccines.

Another study found increased acute cardiac arrests and other acute cardiac events following the COVID jab. A third study related to COVID19 vax, found preliminary evidence of increased risk of both coronary disease and cardiovascular disease.

The CDC had already identified safety signal for stroke among individuals over 65 years of age and older following the bivalent booster administration, referring to a need for further assessments and research regarding safety of ALL mRNA COVID-19 Vax’s. The State Of Florida remined health care providers to accurately communicate the risks and benefits of all clinical interventions to their patients, including those associated with COVID-19 and other public health concerns. To promote importance of treatment and promoting prevention through healthy habits, encouraging health care providers to do the same.

To support transparency including those associated with COVID19 Vax as additional risks continue to be identified and disclosed to the public. To support transparency, the State of Florida reminds health care providers to accurately communicate the risks and benefits of all clinical interventions to their patients, including those associated with the COVID-19 vaccine as additional risks continue to be identified and disclosed to the public.

The State of Florida in the department that is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts

LINKS:

https://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2023/02/20230215-updated-health-alert.pr.html#:~:text=2022%2C%20mRNA%20COVID%2D19%20vaccines,much%20higher%20than%20other%20vaccines.&text=Sun%20CLF%20et%20al%2C%20Sci%20Rep.

Reference  Communications Office  NewsMedia@flhealth.gov  (850) 245-4111

According to a study, Fraiman J et al, Vaccine. 2022,

A second study, Sun CLF et al, Sci Rep. 2022, found

Additionally, Dag Berild J et al, JAMA Netw Open. 2022, assessed the risk of thromboembolic and thrombocytopenic events

Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida

Florida Department of Health  www.FloridaHealth.gov.

https://wakeupnz.org

Researched by Carol Sakey

 

...

THE NZ GOVERNMENT HAS THE ABILITY TO DETAIN YOU INDEFINITELY WITHOUT YOU EVEN COMMITTING A CRIMINAL OFFENCE

TONY BLAIRS ‘North Korean’Sweeping Powers are permanent in New Zealand.. Not one political crony in the cesspit of Wellington will openly share this information with the citizens of NZ.

Tony Blair was reported in the Daily Mail News as referring to ‘Tony Blair’s Stalker Squad’. He had quietly set up a Fixated Threat Assessment Centre in the UK for those that were called ‘Suspects to be detained’ without breaking the law under an extended mental health condition namely ‘fixated’ behavior.

Fixated Threat Assessment Centre is a collaboration between Scotland Yard Police, Parliamentary Police and special Mental Health Officials, where the government has the power to detain anyone whom opposed the governments narratives. Citizens whom had not committed a crime, with was no criminal evidence. Thus being a blurred line between criminal and clinical investigations.

Because of the passing of a confidentiality legislation suspects name were not known, therefore no-one knew how any detained suspect there were, or their names.  The Atlantic Times reported ‘UK Law Bans the public from Criticizing the Government’ British subjects being detailed in a mental health unit under Blair’s little known laws’. Detainee’s had little or no right to appeal, a number of people falling prey to Blairs North Korean tactics.

Outspoken MP Andrew Lansley reported “the law can be used to target anyone of religious or political belief. The Government has widened the definition of mental health intervention”.
Evening Standard 27th May 2007 was headed ‘Shambles of Blairs Plan’ referring to Blairs draconian wartime powers. Where if citizens were questioned by police and did not comply they were issued with up to a 5,000 pound fine. The Government had such sweeping powers that Police could stop and question anyone. The government analyzed more than 10,000 suspects. No-one knows how many were or are being detained in the Threat Assessment Centres.

Detainee’s that undergo mental health interventions without having a mental health disorder. Civil matters in a private court where the govt chose an advocate to represent the suspect. The suspect not knowing that a court hearing was happening, no lawyer. Suspects could be detained indefinitely.

2017 the New Zealand Government decided to pilot Tony Blairs draconian North Korean Fixated Threat Assessment Centre in New Zealand. On the July 1st 2019 under the Labour led government the Tony Blair Fixated Threat Assessment Centre became permanent in New Zealand. A collaboration between Parliamentary Police, NZ Police and special Mental Health Officials.

An OIA request was made requesting details of how many suspects have been detained in the Fixated Threat Assessment Centre in NZ. Age, ethnicity etc., between 2017 – 2020. The response from National Intelligence NZ Police to all questions where responses were requested were given a ‘Non Applicable’ response. In other words “the New Zealand public will never know”. Kia-ora North Korea.
Carol Sakey WakeUpNZ

...
Carol Sakey
EUTHANASIA

THE DANGEROUS CONCEPTS OF EUTHANASIA ‘ARE PEOPLE CONSIDERING THE RISKS TO MANY VUNERABLE PEOPLE’?

CHOICE: Euthanasia ‘End Of Life Choice” has dangerous concepts this is a sensitive subject because people do not take into consideration that this bill was passed because it was one on the personal sensitivity on ones feelings (of course that’s natural) but not of the facts (the dangerous concepts within the Act).  Is patient taking medication?  What is happening behind closed doors (coercion and manipulation secrecy and fear- referring to age concern etc.,) Patients can choose not to be resuscitated … patients feeling unworthy, a problem to the family…

This is another Benefits vs Risks Scenario.  Politically Government saving on healthcare costs. And ignoring Hospice funding issues. Another issue being as in other countries when you introduce an Act like this it will significantly expand its boundaries ..Dangerously dehumanizing beyond humanity itself. (DON’T YOU LOVE THE WORD ‘CHOICE’??)

PUBLIC OPINION: There is huge controversy around this Euthanasia Act for doctors ‘ ethically’ eg Do No Harm. Protection of Life. The legal and practical considerations of the End Of Life Act. There is confusion regarding the terminology among the general public of NZ (Enter word CHOICE into Bill- everyone’s wants choice- become an over-riding psychological issue) When people do not have the facts and lead from the heart this can be a huge problem when it comes to risks of other peoples lives and seen as the benefit of a few (softening peoples views on a life and death matter). Majority of NZrs would not even understand or bother to analyse the legislation. Conscience Vote overriding the Facts, Concepts within the Act

ABSENCE OF LEGAL REQUIREMENTS: The High Court concluded that there are limited declarations around the interpretation of the Act. Absent of legal requirement for nurses, pharmacist and other health professionals whom may object this includes hospices.. The law does not protect the vulnerable under the Euthanasia Act. End of life depression can be treatable.

Being unworthy of life becomes a normal concept and socially acceptable as a concept. The way doctors communicate information can determine the decision making of the patient. One must consider the motivation behind seeking euthanasia a doctor cannot be sure of this they do not live the private life behind the doors of the patients personal existence. Subtle coercion and unseen influence is easily ignored, not even seen, evident.

A SLIPPERY SLOPE:  Legislatively the patient has a legal right to refuse treatment, enable do not resuscitate and proxy decision making thus reaffirming bans on assisting suicide. The Euthanasia Act sends controversial messages to those whom are suicidal. The Act may not adequately safeguard peoples lives against their wishes, The Euthanasia Act (End Of Life Choice Legislation) is a slippery slope.

One big challenge is that is complicated is where the primary doctor conscientiously objects, the replacement doctor then assumes responsibility without any long term relationship knowledge of the patient or his/her family. Even ones own personal doctor is not likely to know this, even more so with doctor, nurses shortages and more and more virtual doctors visits will take place.

DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP: Doctor-patient relationships are not what they use to be in todays post modernized world. The second doctor providing a second independent opinion has no obligation to determine coercion or undue influence at the time of the final consent to administrate the final lethal dose.

Concern have been raised concerning the Euthanasia Act’s regulatory framework. The Review committee did not receive demographic data such as age, gender, ethnicity and excluded coercion, thus making it difficult to confirm the statutory requirement of “satisfactory compliance with the requirement of this Act”.

Thus there is no way at all that patients that seek euthanasia are being coerced or not, as subtle coercion can easily be undetected. Therefore there are NO Safeguards for vulnerable people. .Socio economic status and other area’s of a patients life and dependency on family can cause a loss of dignity hence seeking euthanasia.

RISKS AND GAPS: The risks and gaps have not been measured as to benefits and risks. Since the Act was introduced legislatively we have been living in times that are hyping up the anxiety and grief especially around the most vulnerable this surely will increase the seeking of euthanasia (I just want out of here AND THIS IS THE ONLY WAY OUT). Risks and Gaps have allowed the governments determination to control NZrs lives.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE FAILURES: Mental illness and vulnerability is common in terminally ill people, depressive disorders. How do you differentiate depressive disorders from grief reactions in the case of terminal illness, its too difficult.  Mental Health services in New Zealand have fallen over when it comes to given a person an app to take home when they are crying out they want to jump off a cliff and kill themselves. Under treatment of psychiatric illness is common in New Zealand.

CANCER PATIENTS:  It is reported that 80% of cancer patients remain unrecognised and untreated for mental health issues. Cancer accounts for one of the largest reasons for euthanasia overseas thus more people seeking euthanasia. NZ Government state they prioritise reducing suicidal deaths rates whilst provisionally approving assisted suicide under this Euthanasia Act

LACK OF PALLIATIVE CARE: In 2019, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities expressed extreme concern with Canadian legislation,49 and recommended “adequate safeguards to ensure that persons with disabilities do not request assistive dying simply because of the absence of community-based alternatives and palliative care”

HOSPICE: It is highly reported that Hospice services will be significantly negatively effected because of a serious lack of government funding. The government would people seek assisted suicide than fund a persons right to dignity in dying and ongoing support for family in their time of grieving. Through Hospice they value ‘Dignity in living and Dignity in Dying.)

LEGAL PERSPECTIVE: From a legal perspective, the EoLCA poses many challenges and unanswered questions about how to ensure the process is safe for all involved. Proponents rightly point out that many of these questions should be addressed at a professional level with training programmes, clear guidelines and access to adequate support. On the other hand, opponents point to overseas evidence of underreporting and nonvoluntary euthanasia to illustrate risks of the legislation.

NORMALISING THE CONCEPT OF PREMATURE DEATH AS BENEFICIAL: Based on overseas experience, once legalised, euthanasia eligibility criteria will be challenged, and are likely to be expanded over time. Some regard this as an egalitarian progression towards a better future that includes a ‘right to die’, while others view this as an unacceptable risk of the EoLCA. .(Euthanasia Legislation)

NON-VOLUNTARY EUTHANASIA: Administration of a life-ending substance to a patient who is unable to consent due to a medical condition..

NZ MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Considers that voluntary euthanasia is unethical, but supports a persons pain relief which can hasten a patients death which is determined as ethical. There is an acknowledgement that a patients autonomy may be compromised without a doctors knowledge as to what happens in a patients private life behind closed doors, therefore the ACt does not adequately safeguard vulnerable peoples lives. There could also be poor symptom management and broken communication between the doctor and the patient.

THE REFERENDUM (DOCTORS): There was little room for doctor to abstain yet they are the ones that are holding the needle (the lethal dose). Similar to the nation wide jab of COVID 19 jab.DO NO HARM is ignored as the government goes along with the Risks vs Benefits. The Risks have been also ignored in David Seymour’s Euthanasia Act. CHOICE has embedded itself in people hearts as they had their choices taken away. I personally believe this is of serious concern. (The word CHOICE  used for coercion and indoctrination of this legislation). What the eye does not see the heart does not grieve over.

HOW MANY VULNERABLE LIVES ARE PUT AT RISKS BECAUSE OF THIS EUTHANASIA LEGISLATION AS TO THOSE THAT BENEFIT FROM THE LEGISLATION? If this is too difficult to answer then this should be of very serious concern.  There is nothing more precious than life itself. It is fact that people have been told they only have 6 months to live by health professionals and have lived much longer and have been able to live and die in dignity with the right care, love and respect.  As we see more and more fragmented families this becomes a real issue around the seeking of Euthanasia, the premature ending of ones life.

DATA IN AND DATA OUT: Often, a patient is considered terminally ill when his or her estimated life expectancy is six months or less, under the assumption that the disease will run its normal course based on previous data from other patients.

DETERMINATION OF ONES LIFE SPAN: My father was given 6 months to live he had a brain tumour, cancer on the lungs he lived for over  a year. He was surrounded by family in his own bed at home. Hospice sat with us for 24 hrs as he finally passed away.

DEATH IN DIGNITY AND DIGNITY IN DYING: When a person is treated with dignity, love and respect there is a reason to want to live, a reason not to seek a needle with the legal dose injected into your body. Hospice made sure pain killers were administered adequately. They also enquired about our families needs. I have been involved with Hospice helping people write their ‘end of life’ story times, of times gone by. (The Government would rather fund premature death than dignity in living and dignity in dying)

HEART VS HEAD: The ruling from the heart (conscientious vote) ignoring the dangerous concepts this is exactly how this Bill was passed. People calling upon their very real emotional grief of watching loved ones dying, a natural grief, is normal… but this  ignores the very serious risks that vulnerable people are being put in when it comes to life and death decisions.  I acknowledge how the heart grieves in these life and death situations but should we ignore the dangerous concepts the risks it puts other human lives in?

THE DANGEROUS SLIPPERY SLOPE:  YES, I call this a slippery slope, and another psychological coercion by  the government in the word ‘CHOICE’ (End Of Life ‘CHOICE’ Act). And no-one speaks out, everyone is silent. SILENCE IS CONSENT to be indoctrinated and coerced even at he end of ones life.

 

NOTE: I followed this Bill throughout and much earlier on could see the dangerous conceptions within the End of Life Choice Bill (legislative Act). I was saying exactly the same then as I am saying right now. ITS A VERY SLIPPERY SLOPE and we should never ignore it.

 

Carol Sakey

...

EUTHANASIA AND COVID-19 RELATIONSHIP IN GOVERNMENT’S PLAYBOOK

EXCLUSIVE: MOH says Kiwis with COVID-19 can now be eligible for euthanasia..NZ euthanasia expansion.. By The Defender.

OIA REQUEST: An Official Information Act reply to The Defender, from the Ministry of Health, which says that patients with COVID-19 could be eligible for euthanasia, has left National MP Simon O’Connor disappointed but not surprised.

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS RAISE CONCERNS:  In November The Defender wrote to the New Zealand Ministry of Health (MOH) to ask some important questions about the practice of euthanasia and assisted suicide in New Zealand. In light of the serious deficiencies in the End of Life Choice Act (EOLCA), and concerns that have been raised by healthcare professionals, we felt it was crucial to put some urgent questions to the MOH.

COVID-19 AND ASSISTED DYING: In our Official Information Act (OIA) request we asked the following question: “Could a patient who is severely hospitalized with Covid-19 potentially be eligible for assisted suicide or euthanasia under the Act if a health practitioner viewed their prognosis as less than 6 months?”

TOOLS  TO RESOLVE SERIOUS CRISIS: There were several reasons why The Defender wanted to seek clarity from the MOH about this issue.  Firstly, New Zealand is currently described as being in a precarious position when it comes to COVID-19 and hospital resources. In light of this, it would not be hard to envisage a situation in which a speedy and sizeable rise in COVID-19 hospitalisations could result in pressure to utilize euthanasia and assisted suicide as tools to resolve such a serious crisis.

WARNING OF CAUTION: Overseas commentators have raised the prospect of these kind of unethical motivations since early in this pandemic.  Last year’s tragic case of the elderly Canadian woman who had an assisted suicide to avoid another COVID-19 lockdown highlights exactly why caution is warranted in relation to COVID-19 and euthanasia.  “The lack of stringent safeguards in the EOLCA raised red flags with us. Could a patient with COVID-19 find their way into the eligibility criteria? And, if so, what serious risks would this pose to the already often-vulnerable elderly members of our communities?” says The Defender editor Henoch Kloosterboer.

CRITERIA FOR ASSISTED DYING: The MOH responded to our OIA request on Tuesday (7th of December, 2021). Their reply to The Defender started on a more promising note: “There are clear eligibility criteria for assisted dying. These include that a person must have a terminal illness that is likely to end their life within six months.” But then their response becomes more disturbing (emphasis added):

THE ATTENDING PRACTITIONER:   “A terminal illness is most often a prolonged disease where treatment is not effective. The EOLC Act states eligibility is determined by the attending medical practitioner (AMP), and the independent medical practitioner.”

SERIOUS CONCERNS: This raises serious concerns. Firstly, there is nothing concrete about the phrase “most often”, in fact, its inclusion in this specific context clearly seems to suggest that the MOH considers the definition of terminal illness to be subjective and open to interpretation.

DETERMINATION OF QUALIFIED TERMINAL ILLNESS: The very next sentence seems to back this up. It clarifies that the MOH considers the attending medical practitioner (AMP) and the independent medical practitioner to be empowered by the EOLCA to make the determination about what does and doesn’t qualify as a terminal illness.  “In light of this vague interpretation, it is reasonable to suggest that COVID-19 could be classified as a ‘terminal illness’ depending on the prognosis of the patient and the subjective judgments of the AMP and independent medical practitioner. This feels like we’ve been sold one thing, and been delivered another.” says Kloosterboer.

ELIGIBILITY:  the final paragraph the MOH put this issue beyond doubt when they state (emphasis added): “Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis; therefore, the Ministry cannot make definitive statements about who is eligible. In some circumstances a person with COVID-19 may be eligible for assisted dying.”

INFORMED DECISION: Detail from the Ministry of Health’s response to the OIA request, 7 December 2021. If you examine the eligibility criteria for assisted suicide and euthanasia, as stated on the MOH website, it becomes easier to see how, given the right circumstances, a COVID-19 diagnosis could qualify:  aged 18 years or over a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand  suffering from a terminal illness that is likely to end their life within six months in an advanced state of irreversible decline in physical capability experiencing unbearable suffering that cannot be relieved in a manner that the person considers tolerable competent to make an informed decision about assisted dying

PROLONGED ILLNESS: It seems to us that the only possible protective factor here, and it’s an extremely flimsy one, is that all of this hinges on the tenuous grounds of how the phrase ‘terminal illness’ is interpreted. In particular, whether or not the AMP and independent medical practitioner are willing to hold firm to the MOH’s suggestion to us that a terminal illness is a “prolonged disease”. Even then, the term ‘prolonged disease’ is still extremely fraught due to its highly subjective nature. Who is to say that a medical practitioner who considers an illness which lasts longer than a fortnight to be a ‘prolonged disease’ isn’t actually correct in making such a determination?

RAISING OF SERIOUS QUESTIONS: The End of Life Choice Act offers no clarity or robust safeguards that would put this matter beyond doubt, in fact it does just the opposite, leaves the door wide open for abuse. MP Simon O’Connor expressed s as to the expansion of the new law less than a month after it came into force.  “New Zealanders who voted in the referendum in 2020 did not anticipate this law could be used for COVID19 patients”.

THE WORDING OF THE LEGISLATION: The wording of the law The wording of the law was always deliberately broad and interpretable, placing far too much into the judgement of the doctor.” He also said that this development raises serious questions about the problems in the EOLCA.

VERY TIMELY: “The  timely demonstration of how badly drafted the law is. When you consider the lack of key safeguards, and the risky shroud of secrecy that the EOLCA has thrown over the practice of euthanasia and assisted suicide, you can see that those of us warning about this Act shouldn’t have been dismissed so flippantly,” says Simon  O’Connor.  The implications of this are extremely serious. Not simply because of the potential threat COVID-19 poses to our ill-equipped NZ healthcare system, or the fact that vulnerable elderly people are the most affected by the ravages of this illness.

LACK OF TRANSPARENCY: There is also the fact that an unacceptable lack of transparency has been built into the EOLCA which will cloak all of this in a dangerous veil of secrecy that prevents robust public scrutiny. In a nutshell, the poorly considered structure of the EOLCA has now made the COVID-19 pandemic potentially even more dangerous for the people of Aotearoa New Zealand.

#DefendNZ,  were calling on the Ministry Of Health to take urgent action to  ensure that the End Of Life Choice Act cannot be used to provide assisted suicide or euthanasia to patients in New Zealand. Defend NZ had created a petition to send to Parliament calling for urgent amendments to the law including required detailed reporting and required independent witnesses, among other things, and were asking concerned citizens to sign and share it.

LINK   https://www.defendnz.co.nz/news-media/2021/12/19/exclusive-euthanasia-expansion-moh-says-kiwis-with-covid-19-can-now-be-eligible

 

Researched by Carol Sakey

...