Current status

After two years of working its way through the parliamentary process, the End of Life Choice Bill was finally passed into law on 13 November 2019 and known as the End of Life Choice Act 2019.

The Act was, however, subject to a binding public referendum, which was held at the same time as the 2020 General Election on 17 October. The question that was asked at the referendum is: "Do you support the End of Life Choice Act 2019 coming into force?” Yes/No.

The final results, 65.1% in favour, were declared on 6 November 2020. This means that the EOLC Act 2019 will come into force on 7 November 2021.

 

Content of the Act

The End of Life Choice Act 2019 is available on the Government's legislation website here »

The criteria and processes of the EOLC Act can be downloaded here »

More information about the implementation of the Act can be found on the Ministry of Health's website here »