A terminally ill New Zealand woman, whose case sparked a major controversy over euthanasia, has died of starvation in a Wellington hospital. Sixty-year old Margaret Page had lived in Wellington's St. John of God Hospital since 2001. Although she had been a formerly active woman including hobbies such as karate, scuba diving and kayaking, a brain hemorrhage in 1991 left her severely incapacitated. Given her deteriorating condition, Page made the voluntary decision to starve herself to death. Her stance sparked a public debate after her husband, Barry Page, publicly insisted that his wife be force-fed to keep her alive. Although they had been separated for twelve years, he was outspoken in his opposition although other family members expressed their support for her decision.
After three separate psychiatric evaluations and visits from Health Board staff, Margaret Page's right to refuse food was upheld in a contentious court decision. While voluntary euthanasia groups supported her fast, there was considerable opposition from right-to-life groups, including the Catholic Church. She died after sixteen days without eating although hospital staff offered her food and water every time they entered her room. A staff worker tended to Ms. Page's full-time care during the last few days of her life and her family doctor also visited daily. Hospital staff notified police following her death and the case is expected to be referred to the local coroner.
Commenting on Margaret Page's death, Dignity New Zealand founder Lesley Martin stated that, "I'm pleased she had the strong degree of support that she did, but I'm sad that this is the best we can offer people in her situation." While euthanasia groups in Australia and New Zealand are urging for legislation to enable terminally ill patients to make "exit plans" while they are still capable, starvation is recognized as the "legal option of last resort".
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