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

Dying to talk about euthanasia

By The Redhead - posted Monday, 20 September 2010


The Northern Territory parliament supported a Voluntary Euthanasia Bill in May 1995. BUT at the instigation of Liberal MP Kevin Andrews, a Bill to overturn it was introduced to the federal House of Representatives in September 1996. The Senate passed the Bill in March 1997 and the NT’s decision was overturned. That decision also impacted on the ACT’s rights.

Overturning the pro-voluntary euthanasia laws had support from all side of politics and from the Prime Minister (then John Howard) down. This DESPITE the overwhelming evidence that Australian’s want this right.

During the legislation’s short active period four people used their right to die with dignity.

Advertisement

It seems an advertising campaign designed to lobby government on behalf of the tobacco industry is OK (a series of ads attacking federal government plans for plain packaging under the umbrella of the Alliance of Australian Retailers but funded by tobacco giants - news reports Sept 10, 11, 12, 2010), but it’s not OK for the voluntary euthanasia lobby to do the same thing.

One could argue a bit of hypocrisy here - after all, one side kills people slowly over many years and costs the health system and the community millions and millions of dollars while the other would kill people quickly and peacefully at a time of their choosing, and funded by the individual concerned.

Let’s show some courage as a community. Broadcast the ad and have some sensible, adult discussion. And after that’s done, let’s ask the people of Australia.

If they support the idea of voluntary euthanasia with the safeguards required to prevent abuse then how dare ANY politician step in and stop the wishes of the people.

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

First published on the author's blog on September 12, 2010.



Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

84 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

While making a main career in the media, The RedHead draws on a bit of life experience from the slightly less glamorous, but extremely fulfilling years mustering cattle and running a bottle shop. All have honed her skills for observing human nature and her sense of humour. She has a teenage son and a husband, and enjoys the satisfaction of the toilet seat always being down. Love Is – never having to ask!

Other articles by this Author

All articles by The Redhead

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

Article Tools
Comment 84 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy