Click here to read the article. “The End of Life Choice Referendum requires us to vote for or against the 2019 Act coming into force…Many statements, comments and perspectives have been presented and it can be confusing for us to weigh them and come to a yes/no conclusion. ” The main benefit of assisted dying has been described as “complement[ing] the limitations of palliative care when suffering can no longer …Read More
Tag Archives: palliative care
In reply to supporters of the End of Life Choice Bill
Originally published in New Zealand Doctor, February 2018 by Rosalie Evans I agree that all doctors should read the End of Life Choice Bill. However, unlike Dr Havill et al, I do not believe it is inevitable that this bill will become law, writes GP Rosalie Evans. Dr Havill et al “cherry-picked” a few submissions to the health select committee which promoted a change in the law, as evidence for their viewpoint Far more jurisdictions have rejected moves to legalise euthanasia …Read More
Nurses’ unique perspectives on end-of-life choices must be heard
Originally published in Nursing Review, February 2018 by Taumihau Teremoana The outcome of last year’s government inquiry into assisted dying left me both hopeful and disappointed that as a society we have not addressed alleviating suffering effectively. The inquiry’s decision not to recommend law changes allowing legalised assisted dying was welcomed by Palliative Care Nurses New Zealand and Hospice NZ. Though the concept of suffering is complex much can be said from …Read More
The Alarming Trend Of Bullying Hospitals And Hospices Into Assisted Suicide
Originally published by Huffpost, January 2018 by Dr Will Johnston Canadians who are sick and suicidal can now be put to death under various medicalized and government-approved protocols, following court and legislative victories by euthanasia activists. These activists are now turning their considerable talents to a coercive makeover of the palliative hospice movement by demanding that hospices founded on a promise to never deliberately hasten death should provide a death-hastening service. …Read More
Terry Sarten: Quality end-of-life care should be nation’s priority
Originally published in The New Zealand Herald, 21 January 2018 By Terry Sarten The current debate around proposed legislation that will allow for assisted dying, euthanasia and the right to die is a deeply profound distraction that suits politicians well. It is simply palliative legislation. The definition of the term palliative includes the words “relieving the pain without dealing with the cause of the condition”. The legislation as it stands …Read More
We do not like to talk about death – but that doesn’t make euthanasia the answer
Originally published in The Sydney Morning Herald, 14 November 2017 By Richard Chye One of the hallmarks of the euthanasia debate so far – in NSW and Victoria – has been the determination of its proponents to depict any opposition as being based purely on religion. So, before I go on, perhaps it would help to make the following clear. I am not religious. I do not follow a …Read More
Euthanasia laws: the true implications
Originally published in The Spectator Australia, 28 November 2017 By John Buchanan The “voluntary Assisted dying” legislation appears set to pass both lower and upper houses in Victoria. However, let us call it “assisted suicide and euthanasia legislation”, because that is what it is. One of the problems with this whole debate has been with the corruption of language. The aim of language changes has been to try to …Read More
A doctor’s view: ‘I do not support legalising assisted dying’
Originally published in Stuff, 1 February 2016 Dear Stuff community, As a doctor, I do not support legalising assisted dying. I recognise that people on both sides of this debate have compassion for people who are suffering and want to help them. The main difference in opinion is the way in which we think our society and government should go about that. We all value autonomy/choice, although I would …Read More
Care Alliance Highlights Folly of Victoria Euthanasia Decision
Originally published on The Care Alliance website, 23 November 2017 The legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide in Victoria, by the narrowest of margins, introduces an unsafe and unnecessary practice into the heart of their healthcare practice, says Dr Peter Thirkell, Spokesperson for the Care Alliance. Australian medical organisations have stated on numerous occasions that such laws are inherently unsafe, and in the words of the Australian Medical Association mark …Read More