A disabled New Zealand woman is committing suicide by starving herself to death. Her hospice has declined to force feed 60-year-old Margaret Page, saying that suicide is legal and that under the NZ Bill of Rights it would be assault to interfere with her wishes. Ms Page’s speech and movement have been severely limited since a brain haemorrhage in 1991. Ever since she has needed help even in basic tasks like showering and eating.

The case is being used to promote the cause of assisted suicide. Australian euthanasia activist Dr Philip Nitschke told the media, "It seems bizarre that the best the laws in New Zealand and the laws in Australia can offer is to legally sanction a person starving themselves, but it can't quite bring itself to legally allow a person to get the help for a speedy and peaceful death.”

Psychologists have confirmed that Ms Page is mentally competent to refuse food and her family supports her decision. However, her strained relationship with her husband may have influenced her, as well. He cared for her dutifully until four years ago when he moved her to a hospice but he has since taken up with a new partner. Now he complains that she is demoralized because she has been treated badly by the health system: “I know that they care for her, however they don’t value her as an asset to the community. It’s an industry, it’s a money-making venture and they’ve got to look at the bottom line – it is a business.” ~ Australian, Mar 25; 3 News, Mar 24