Dying to talk about euthanasia

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.

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.