November 21, 2014
AMA is out of step with the community by opposing voluntary euthanasia
Terry Sweetman, The Courier Mail
POPE Francis was preaching to the immovable last week when he declared assisted suicide was a symptom of a “throw-away culture’’. But opinion polls suggest that, like the Catholic ruling on contraception, injunctions against voluntary euthanasia might increasingly be more honoured in the breach than the observance. The Pope doggedly called on doctors to take […]
November 19, 2014
Rational suicide is a challenge that we must face
Philip Nitschke, Sydney Morning Herald
The debate in recent weeks about end-of-life choices has undoubtedly raised some uncomfortable issues. While some have accused me of expounding black-white views on rational suicide, snidely remarking that such opinions belong in first-year university philosophy, the conversation started with my trial in Darwin over my medical registration is far from Voluntary Euthanasia 101. Rather, […]
November 18, 2014
Nembutal Patient Investigated by AHPRA
Flynn Murphy, The Medical Observer
THE sister of a motor neurone disease patient who took her own life says she was targeted by AHPRA investigators [led by Brett Judd who also goes by the assumed name of ‘Franklin Lebrowski’] who rummaged through her personal effects and recorded an interview with her without permission. Janine Wilson, 58-year-old sister of the late […]
November 18, 2014
A Clinical Jarring Decision on Rational Suicide
Can a person’s legal right to take their own life ever be a rational decision to the point that doctors are actually obligated to make no intervention? Should that decision – even if made by a person suffering no terminal illness – then be assisted? These almost philosophical questions dominated a three-day medical tribunal hearing […]
November 15, 2014
Philip Nitschke tribunal: Medical Board granted power to raid homes
Amy Corderoy, Sydney Morning Herald
The Medical Board of Australia has been granted the power to raid homes as part of its investigation into euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke. Janine Wilson, whose sister Wendy Benton died almost three years ago, said it was like being “burgled while you were watching” when officials turned up at her house two weeks ago to […]
November 14, 2014
3/4 Victorians support VE: VEP Strong Contender in 2014 Vic Election
Three out of four Victorians say people suffering from incurable illnesses should be able to access assistance to die if they want to, a poll suggests. But neither the government nor the opposition has plans to engage with the issue before this month’s state election. Labor leader Daniel Andrews said he did not support voluntary […]
November 13, 2014
Nitschke trial has ‘valuable purpose’
Voluntary euthanasia campaigner Dr Philip Nitschke is glad the issue of ‘rational suicide’ is being publicly debated, despite one case leading to his suspension. After a three-day hearing, the Northern Territory Health Professional Review Tribunal reserved its decision on his appeal against his suspension by the Medical Board of Australia. Dr Nitschke is yet to […]
November 13, 2014
Philip Nitschke: ‘I wish I had responded differently to man’s suicide email’
Philip Nitschke wishes he had responded differently when Nigel Brayley told him he intended to end his life, despite having no terminal illness, the controversial doctor told the NT health professional review tribunal on Wednesday. Giving unexpected testimony on the final day of the hearing in Darwin, Nitschke nevertheless stood by his assessment that the […]