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The following article is from the SAVES newsletter, The
VE Bulletin, Vol 17 No 1, March 00
Prominent New Zealand Activist
Dies
The following is presented by Rosemary Davies, SAVES member and cousin
of the late Fred Robinson, prominent New Zealand voluntary euthanasia activist.
It was his express wish that the following obituary be printed in the VE
Bulletin.
| Fredrick Charles Edward Robinson died of respiratory
arrest, on 6th October 1999 aged 60 years at Lady King Hospital, Christchurch,
New Zealand.
Loved husband of the late Elizabeth Joy Robinson, cousin of Ethel
Davies of Adelaide, South Australia.
He was a staunch atheist and fought valiantly to bring about a law
permitting voluntary euthanasia. He suffered for many years waiting for
a welcome death.
His suffering was extended beyond the limits of common sense to satisfy
those few people who were bigoted enough to prevent his dying as he wished.
A tetraplegic for twenty one years, he experienced in the last three years
of his life dramatically increased bodily deterioration and pain. His suffering
served only those people who, not content with choosing how they would
die, enforced their inhumane doctrine on others. |
My cousin Fred was well known in New Zealand as a tireless and very
vocal campaigner for voluntary euthanasia. He carried out his work from
the confines of his hospital room and at his own expense. Unable to use
his hands, he was a great dictator of letters and articles encouraging
people and societies to discuss the issue and approach their Members of
Parliament with a view to law reform. He paid for quarter page advertisements
in the press, lobbied MPs and wrote to 120 new members to ascertain their
views on sponsoring a new bill.
He had many personal interviews with politicians from all parties, and
was inspirational in drafting a new bill with another advocate. Fred had
a good relationship with the press, which gave wide coverage to both his
personal plight and social activism. He also gave many radio and TV interviews.
Fred was a great supporter of campaigners in Australia, including Marshall
Perron and Philip Nitschke. He firmly believed that a breakthrough here
would pave the way for success in New Zealand. There is now optimism for
reform there, due to the recent change of government.
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