CHRISTCHURCH The Governments decision not to challenge the chief censors approval of a book giving people instructions on how to commit suicide seems hypocritical, according to a pro-life organisation. The Peaceful Pill, a book by Dr Philip Nitschke, an Australian who is also known as Dr Death, was initially banned in New Zealand. An amended version of the book was then submitted to the chief censor, who has given the book an R18 rating. The book must be sealed in plastic.

Right to Life says it is incongruous that on one hand we have this dangerous book being allowed for sale in New Zealand and on the other hand we have the Government earlier this year unveiling its five-year plan that includes expensive TV advertising to reduce New Zealands suicide rate.

Right to Lifes Ken Orr questioned why the Government was not prepared to challenge the chief censors controversial and dangerous classification. His society will seek a review of the misguided classification.

Mr Orr questioned the chief censors statement that the publication is a well-intentioned book advocating law reform and giving advice to enable the seriously ill and elderly to make carefully considered and fully informed decisions about their own life and death.

He also denied the chief censors claim that Dr Nitschke has a right to publish the book under the free expression allowances in the Bill of Rights Act, pointing to a section of the Crimes Act that prohibits anyone from encouraging, enticing or assisting in a suicide.

The book has no redeeming features, Mr Orr said.

It is an enticement to commit suicide, a threat to the lives of the vulnerable in society and injurious to the common good.

He said The Peaceful Pill unashamedly promotes a culture of death and is opposed to a culture of life. The Government, meanwhile, has a duty to defend life and to protect the vulnerable in our community.