Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Euthanasia myths

By Marshall Perron - posted Monday, 19 November 2012


We have a stalemate.

Over 80% of adult Australians believe someone who is close to death and suffering should be able to access assistance to die at a time they choose.

In the past 17 years there have been 38 bills presented to parliaments on the subject and all of them have been blocked, deferred or rejected.

Advertisement

For over a decade voluntary euthanasia (VE) and/or assisted suicide (AS) have been legally available in seven places overseas. Studies show that the dire forecast of threats to the vulnerable and a slippery slope do not exist.

So, what is the problem? Politicians, or more to the point, religious politicians.

One would think that revelations about child abuse would have destroyed any semblance of moral superiority claimed by church leaders, particularly the Catholic church. The leaders of churches and sponsored organisations have been the driving force that has so far thwarted every attempt to decriminalise voluntary euthanasia. Their campaigns have been professional and well funded.

Only a few politicians reveal their religious leanings publicly and honestly state that their faith prohibits them supporting VE under any conditions, no matter how many of their constituents want the option. Many more accede to the religious 'old boys' network citing the classic arguments against law reform like:

  • "No safeguard can be devised that will protect the vulnerable"
  • "A slippery slope to involuntary euthanasia will occur"
  • "Palliative care can meet the needs of every dying person"
  • "The situation in the Netherlands is out of control".

Those and similar claims are boldly made as throwaway lines in the parliamentary debate and the private member's bill is defeated or deferred to later fall off the notice paper.

Advertisement

For the first time in Australia a credible new player has entered the stage. Think tank Australia 21, who recently produced the 'We've lost the war on drugs' report, has issued a discussion paper that presents the main arguments for and against legalising VE and AS without the biased rhetoric used by the usual players. The paper lays out the facts objectively and dispels many of the myths including an examination of how the laws are working in jurisdictions where the actions are legal.

This paper, titled 'How should Australia regulate Voluntary Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide', presents the information in a way that allows the reader to reach their own conclusion. In coming to that conclusion, however, the reader is aware that claims like those listed above are false.

Hopefully such honesty will make its way, through public debate, into the political debate and our elected representatives will no longer escape addressing this issue by making claims that are simply untrue. Progress will be made when we have politicians who are prepared to examine the options of how a law permitting voluntary euthanasia can be made to work safely instead of taking the attitude "It can't be done." To do that, some of them will have to acknowledge that they were not elected to put the views of the church before the wishes of the community.

  1. Pages:
  2. Page 1
  3. 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

20 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Marshall Perron is the former Northern Territory Chief minister who introduced Voluntary Euthanasia legislation to the Northern Territory Parliament.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Marshall Perron

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Marshall Perron
Article Tools
Comment 20 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy