Concerns have been expressed internationally over concoctions of medications used, which in some cases, led to traumatic end of life experiences. Photo / Supplied, FileFrom RNZPatients requesting euthanasia will be given unapproved, unregulated and "off label" medicines, sparking warnings of prolonged and distressing deaths. Betty's warning to the Ministry of Health used the example of American states not being able to access death penalty drugs due to cost and availability. Euthanasia preparations have been disrupted worldwide after parts of Europe halted export of drugs being used in the United States for executions. A 2016 American study said a European Union ban on exporting drugs used for capital punishment had resulted in a drug shortage and "a search for alternative drugs and new drug combinations that have not been previously validated for inducing death".

Source: New Zealand Herald April 19, 2021 19:17 UTC