Euthanasia debate: Is there dignity in death, or does palliative care kill?

As debate rages about whether euthanasia should be legalised, a palliative care expert is urging MPs to spare a thought for doctors who would have to carry out the act.

For Dr Ian Gwynne-Robson, medical director of Te Omanga Hospice in Lower Hutt, the idea of having to kill someone flies in the face of the medical commandment "first, do no harm". That's why, since the End of Life Choice Bill was introduced, he has been a vocal opponent.

He says he is acting as a voice of the patients whom the legislation is most likely to affect.