VOL 35 NO 1 March 2018 ISSN 1321-0599

NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH VOLUNTARY EUTHANASIA SOCIETY INC. (SAVES) ‘The right to die is as inviolable as the right to life’. Sir Mark Oliphant historic law passed ’s lower house 47-37. Keep up the momentum in South Former Prime Minister Paul Keating intervened with a plea for MPs not to support it. However, this did not Australia sway the views of politicians who had been studying Following the November 2016 loss of the Death with the issue in depth for over two years. After another Dignity Bill by the casting vote of the Speaker Hon marathon 28 hour sitting in the 40 member Upper Michael Atkinson, SAVES will keep up the growing House, the Bill passed 22-18 with amendments. momentum for legislative reform. Publication of this Eleven Labor Government MPs supported the bill, edition of the SAVES Bulletin will closely coincide as did four Liberals, fve Greens, the Reason Party’s with the results of the SA state election. As noted in , and Vote 1 Local Jobs Party MP James the previous bulletin a personal visit to your MP is the Purcell. It then had to return to the Lower House for best way to ensure that our state representatives get ratifcation before becoming law. Debate had been face-to-face contact with people who are passionate postponed when Labor MP Daniel Mulino collapsed about this issue, or those who have been personally and was taken to hospital. The Government’s leader affected by the current lack of end of life choices. A in the Upper House, Gavin Jennings, had accused personal letter, email or phone call to your MP can opponents of trying to extend debate ‘far beyond the also powerfully illustrate why you want your MP to terms of reasonable argument’ in an attempt to delay vote for assisted dying laws. the bill’s passage through the Parliament. Ask your member if he or she holds in-principle Upon the successful passage of the Bill Premier support for voluntary euthanasia by asking ‘What will Daniel Andrews stated: you do to make voluntary euthanasia legal and stop people suffering at the end of life?’ Go to any ‘street Today’s all about emotion, and it’s all about corner’ meetings held by elected members and make compassion,... It’s about providing for those who your views known on this issue – make it important in have for too long been denied a compassionate end your electorate. the control, the power over the last phase of their journey…It’s about giving to them that control. Don’t forget that Upper House members represent the whole state and are therefore aiming to represent you. The Act now allows for a model for physician-assisted Contact as many of them as you can and ask them the dying whereby a patient can request and receive help same question and let them know that this social issue to obtain medication necessary to bring about their will remain on the legislative agenda until properly own death. It does not allow for voluntary euthanasia, dealt with. or doctor administration at a patient’s request. However, a doctor may administer in circumstances where the patient is physically incapable of doing Success in Victoria! so unassisted. Under the legislation, terminally ill Victorians will be able to obtain a lethal drug within Readers will no doubt be aware of the successful 10 days of asking to die, following a three-step passage of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill in request process involving two independent medical Victoria last November. From mid-2019 Victoria will assessments. They must be over the age of 18, a join the list of jurisdictions that have confrmed the resident of Victoria, and have an illness likely to right of a person to elect to die if she or he is suffering result in death within six months (or 12 months for unbearably. Victoria became the frst state in Australia neurodegenerative conditions such as motor neuron to legalise voluntary assisted dying: two decades after disease). They must be experiencing suffering that the Howard Government overturned the short-lived cannot be managed in a way that is tolerable. The Northern Territory Rights of the Terminally Ill Act. legislation includes 68 safeguards, including new After four days of deliberation, 141 proposed criminal offences to protect vulnerable people from amendments and a 26-hour marathon sitting, the abuse and coercion and a special board to review 1 all cases. Compared with many jurisdictions the assisted dying (Liberal MP Joshua Morris). Secondly, Victorian model is conservative. Others have broader offering people assisted dying but not palliative care eligibility criteria: for example extending access ‘is not a real choice’ (Labor MP Daniel Mulino). to minors, non-residents and people suffering non- terminal conditions and disabilities or include access However, this argument confates assisted dying to both voluntary euthanasia and physician-assisted and palliative care. Professor Brian Owler, Chair dying. of Victoria’s advisory panel for the assisted dying legislation, has stated that palliative care is the ‘main It is important for SAVES members to understand game’ when treating dying patients and that this the tactics that were employed by opponents of the will always remain so. The government can increase legislation due to the likelihood that these same funding for palliative care and pass legislation strategies will be employed against any future Bill allowing assistance to die at the same time. When introduced into South Australia, or any other state it comes to the issue of choice, it is nonsensical to parliament. An article in The Conversation (14th suggest that an otherwise eligible person should be November 2017) provided an analysis of the four refused assistance to die because he or she does not main reasons Victorian MPs opposed the Bill and have access to palliative care. The proponents of such the reasons why some were misleading. The authors an argument are effectively saying it is better to have noted that of the 18 Upper House members who no options rather than one option at the end of life. voted against the Bill, 15 gave speeches outlining their reasons. Examination of the speeches identifed Doctors should ‘do no harm’ four major themes. These were: a lack of adequate This argument maintains that assisted dying will safeguards to protect the vulnerable; that legalising undermine the doctor-patient relationship based on assisted dying presents a slippery slope; palliative trust. Arguments in this theme also contend that care services must be improved frst; and a doctor’s assisting patients to die is the very antithesis of what duty is to treat, not to kill. A brief overview follows: doctors do. A patient who is eligible for assisted dying Insuffcient safeguards under the Victorian bill can no longer be healed: he or she is terminally ill and will inevitably die. Secondly, The most frequently cited reason was that safeguards many people including health professionals do not cannot properly protect the vulnerable. MPs regard assisted dying as a ‘harm’, as this always expressing this view included Liberal MPs Bernie depends on context. It can be argued that helping Finn and David McLean Davis, and Rachel Carling- people die more peacefully is a beneft rather than Jenkins (Cory Bernardi’s ). harm. Thirdly, every day doctors, patients and families However, the authors note that such concerns have make decisions to withhold or withdraw treatment that been rejected in high-level peer-reviewed journals will result in a patient’s death while also providing such as The Lancet and the New England Journal of pain relief. Such actions are not deemed to undermine Medicine as well as by the Canadian courts which the doctor-patient relationship. have cross-examined evidence testing the fndings of this research. When legislation comes before other state parliaments it is important that all MPs interrogate their positions, The ‘slippery slope’ argument including the biases that underpin them, in order to be intellectually rigorous. Debates must be based The slippery slope argument contends that even on reliable evidence; such as that provided in the though the Victorian model is currently a conservative Australia 21 Roundtable report, published in 2013 one, that does not preclude it evolving over time and reported on in earlier editions of SAVES Bulletin. (Labor’s ). But this argument is also This noted the large body of international evidence misleading, as the Victorian bill is modelled on that has accrued from a number of jurisdictions that the Oregon Death with Dignity Act which has not have successfully legislated to support assisted dying been amended since it was enacted 20 years ago. and/or voluntary euthanasia. The report followed The authors argue ‘It is disingenuous to suggest a constructive dialogue between supporters and broadening of the law is the ‘norm’’. opponents of law reform, 27 ethicists, theologians, Improve palliative care frst palliative care workers, doctors, nurses, lawyers and patients, and former politicians who contributed to Two inter-related arguments were made. Firstly, that an earlier Roundtable discussion. Australia 21 made the focus should be on increasing palliative care three recommendations: funding to extend its reach, instead of introducing

2 March 2018

1. State governments should develop legislation now to permit and regulate voluntary euthanasia SAVES media release on success and assisted suicide in defned and limited circumstances; in Victoria 2. The Federal Parliament should restore powers Following the legislative success in Victoria SAVES that were withdrawn from the Territories so these president Frances Coombe, released the following parliaments may do the same; and media statement on the 22nd November: 3. Until the above happens, each Member of “Congratulations and a big thank you to members Parliament should consider exercising his or of the Victorian Parliament, our sister organization her right to introduce a private member’s bill on Dying with Dignity [DwD] Victoria and the many voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide. people who have worked so hard to achieve voluntary References: assisted dying in Victoria. “Compassion has fnally won.” This is very conservative legislation which will -Willingham, R & Edwards, J; ‘Voluntary assisted not come into effect until June 2019. dying bill passes Victoria’s Upper House- state set to make history’ ABC News online 22nd November We trust that before that time, the South Australian 2017 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-22/ Parliament will consider a similar Bill and give South euthanasia-victorian-parliament-passes-assisted- Australians a similar choice at the end of their life. dying-laws/9156016 I would personally like to thank Andrew Denton [Go -Towell, N & Preiss, B; ‘Delaying tactics fail as Gentle Australia] for the enormous role he has played voluntary euthanasia faces new upper house test’ The in changing the focus of the debate to enable the Age 20th October 2017 http://www.theage.com.au/ passage of this legislation. Two other public fgures victoria/delaying-tactics-fail-as-voluntary-euthanasia- who had a major impact in informing the debate and faces-new-upper-house-test-20171020-gz597f.html getting the legislation over the line were Dr Rodney Syme from DWD Victoria and the Victorian Coroner, -Willmott, L, McGee, A, & White, B; ‘Four reasons John Olle, with his evidence on elderly suicide given Victorian MPs say ‘no’ to assisted dying, and why to the Inquiry. they’re misleading’, The Conversation, November 14th 2017 https://theconversation.com/four-reasons- Victorians can also thank two South Australians, victorian-mps-say-no-to-assisted-dying-and-why- Emeritus Prof Ian Maddocks, AM, and Dr Roger theyre-misleading-87168 Hunt, two eminent South Australian palliative care physicians, who were instrumental in the design of -Douglas, R; Willmott, L & White, B; (2013) the model adopted in the Victorian legislation. We ‘The right to choose an assisted death: Time for trust that South Australian MPs will similarly consult legislation?’ Australia 21 Report available at http:// with such eminent experts in developing a model for australia21.org.au/product/the-right-to-choose-an- South Australia. assisted-death/#.Wk8ZPeRU02x Listening to some of the 50 or 60 hours of questioning in the committee stage over the last week has given Bequests to SAVES me hope that we can now do this in South Australia. A bequest to SAVES is a signifcant gift We know exactly what the opponents will ask, furthering the primary aim of the society to and we know that their arguments are for the most achieve law reform allowing choice for voluntary part based on deliberate misrepresentations of the euthanasia. facts. My last and heartfelt thank you is to Gavin Jennings, who carried most of the 60 hours of debate The appropriate wording for the gift of a specifc and hypotheticals from opponents in the Victorian sum is I bequeath to the South Australian Parliament. A massive task undertaken with great Voluntary Euthanasia Society Inc. the sum of care and consideration for those people who are $..... unnecessarily suffering at the end of their life and for whom this law has been passed.” In the unlikely event that you wish to leave your entire estate to SAVES it would read I give, devise and bequeath the whole of my real Queensland’s push for law reform and personal estate to the South Australian The estate of former Brisbane lord mayor Clem Voluntary Euthanasia Society Inc. Jones will be used to promote his wish that voluntary

3 euthanasia be legalised. Mr Jones bequeathed most of http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/ his estate to a charitable foundation to be directed to a clem-jones-millions-fund-euthanasia-push/news-story number of causes, including up to $5 million to help /6aea19d3ccdf3a33b8e2602011b578e3 campaign for voluntary euthanasia across the country. -Dying with Dignity NSW facebook page The Clem Jones Trust chairman David Muir stated that after supporting the successful push for assisted https://www.facebook.com/dwdnsw.org.au/ dying laws in Victoria last year, the trust would now back a campaign in the former lord mayor’s home Important notice state of Queensland. He called on MPs to support a wide-ranging public inquiry into the issue: When making payments to SAVES through EFT Unlike other states, the Queensland parliament has please ensure that you include full details of not debated this important subject and that should not your name and contact details. continue in the new 56th parliament. Thank you He said the trust would be advocating for MPs on all sides to address the issue, saying current laws left people with the choice of enduring intolerable suffering or breaking the law to end their life. Western Australian parliamentary We should not continue to force people to take things inquiry into their own hands because of a lack of law reform More than 700 people and organisations have made that would give them a lawful and dignifed death in a written submissions to a parliamentary inquiry; strictly regulated environment. a record for WA. Assisted dying supporters and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has opponents will be engaging in debate this year when ‘left the door open’ to possible voluntary euthanasia the inquiry holds dozens of public hearings over reform, but her government won’t consider it this coming months. The debate has already triggered year. Premier Palszczuk claims that she hasn’t several striking responses, including from former made up her own mind on the issue but, citing her tennis legend, Margaret Court, who compared own grandfather’s suffering with terminal cancer, voluntary euthanasia with capital punishment. Right acknowledges the pain people feel: to Life Association WA president Peter O’Meara has I think anyone who watches such a tragedy unfold, drawn on the ‘nazi Germany’ analogy. especially when it’s someone so close and such a Supporters of law reform have highlighted the legal loved one, is, of course, going to be moved by that. double standard when it comes to ending the suffering However, Ms Palszczuk says her recently re-elected of animals but not humans. Together with Dying with Labor government will not consider the issue during Dignity groups from around Australia, others who the frst year of its term but will consider holding an have endorsed law reform include Andrew Denton inquiry later. It will also review the implementation [Go Gentle Australia], philanthropist Janet Holmes a of the Victorian law before taking further steps. In Court, and the Motor Neuron Disease Association of response Go Gentle Australia’s Andrew Denton WA, which argues the need for laws to allow citizens challenged the premier to ‘look into the eyes of to make informed decisions about end-of-life choices. terminally-ill patients suffering in agony, before ruling Findings from a Roy Morgan poll conducted in out an urgent inquiry into assisted dying laws… [and] November 2017 were that 89 per cent of West warned that the issue of voluntary assisted dying was Australians believed that a doctor should be able not going away’. to give a lethal dose to a “hopelessly” ill patient. References: However, the parliamentary inquiry has received hundreds of submissions from opponents. It is -Brisbane Times ‘Former Brisbane Lord Mayor’s reported that more than 58 per cent of these highlight millions fund euthanasia push’, 23rd January 2018 concerns including weak safeguards enabling abuse of AAP. the system. Emotive language has been employed to https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/ equate assisted dying with ‘state-sanctioned killing’; queensland/former-brisbane-lord-mayor-s-millions- a well-known strategy for opponents of law reform. fund-euthanasia-push-20180123-p4yyrc.html A fnal report will be tabled in August after the public hearings. -Schwarten, E and Layt, S; ‘Qld won’t discuss euthanasia in 2018’ News.com 23rd January 2018 4 March 2018

Reference Caporn, D ‘More than 700 people weigh-in on The VE Bulletin is available by email: euthanasia parliamentary inquiry’, The West Please consider this option to reduce postage Australian, 12th February 2018 https://thewest.com. au/politics/state-politics/more-than-700-people- costs. Email: [email protected] to receive weigh-in-on-euthanasia-parliamentary-inquiry-ng- future editions by email. b88738253z

Blueprint for Ageing ambassador International news speaks out Everald Compton is Chairman of the Longevity United Kingdom Innovation Hub, a not for proft body implementing On 7th February The British Medical Journal the Blueprint for an Ageing Australia. Mr Compton reported that a recent survey of doctors has found was a Founding Director of National Seniors majority support for legal assisted dying. The British Australia. He served on its Board of Directors for Medical Association’s (BMA) opposition is therefore 35 years and was Chairman for 25 years. He retired unrepresentative of its members’ views and the in 2010 when he took up a new role as Chairman journal argued that the BMA should adopt a neutral of the Australian Government’s Advisory Panel on stance on the issue or survey its members. The survey Positive Ageing for three years. Everald Compton is was conducted online at doctors.net.uk. The 10 day an advocate for voluntary euthanasia law reform and poll conducted in October 2017 resulted in 55% of uses social media to promote his views. Although respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing with the a practicing Christian, he does not believe that God proposition that assisted dying should be made legal decides who lives or dies. Instead, as he states: in certain circumstances. Forty three per cent were opposed and 2% did not express an opinion. Jesus himself deliberately chose the time of his death. He had a number of options to avoid the crucifxion, Support in the community for law reform in the UK but he chose to go to the cross. We all have the same is at 82% but the BMA has long been opposed. Its choice… As death is part of life it must be rejoiced as view is often quoted in parliamentary debate as if it if it is a birth. If I am fortunate enough to get some unilaterally represented the views of doctors. However, notice of my death, I intend to stage a lively party with Jacky Davis, a consultant radiologist and member of my friends and family where we share a drink and the BMA council, argues: remember happy days. I will kiss them all goodbye and close my eyes. If nothing happens, I will ask them The current disconnect between BMA policy and the to keep giving me full glasses of whisky until my old views of doctors and patients undermines the BMA’s heart can take no more. credibility, and its continuing opposition excludes it from the public debate… Ultimately legalisation for Mr Compton makes it clear that he is not a ‘fearsome assisted dying will be a decision for UK society. The job character’, but that he wants his parliamentary of the BMA will be to contribute to the debate, not fnd acquaintances to know that he is in ‘relentless pursuit itself sidelined because of its implacable opposition. Its in the cause of assisted dying’. He hopes that the members, and our patients, deserve better. Queensland Government will legislate ‘to take my death out of their hands and place it in mine’; as References: democracy is all about freedom of choice. He maintains -Davis, J ‘Most UK doctors support assisted dying, that MPs should not fear losing their seats if they vote a new poll shows: the BMA’s opposition does not for reform. Instead they will only lose ‘when they sit represent its members’ The BMJ 2018; 360 doi: https:// on fences and forget about doing their job’. He also doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k301 (Published 07 February concedes that, in reality, only a few people now take 2018) http://www.bmj.com/content/360/bmj. any notice of churches; a point of personal sadness. He argues that his approach to voluntary euthanasia law reform will be doing it ‘nicely but ceaselessly’. Appeal granted against UK High Court ruling References: Over several years SAVES Bulletin has covered the https://everaldcompton.com/tag/voluntaryeuthanasia/ legal cases of several high profle UK citizens seeking https://everaldcompton.com/about/ permission for assistance to die in face of unbearable 5 and hopeless suffering. Most recently Noel Conway, a criteria set out in Bill C-14. retired lecturer living with motor neurone disease, has been granted permission to appeal against a High Court This subsequent Bill to that based on Carter v. Canada ruling that denied him help from doctors to end his life. in 2015 precludes people with serious and debilitating In October 2017 three judges sitting at the High Court health conditions which still cause enduring and rejected his case, but two judges at the Court of Appeal intolerable suffering. Pro bono legal advice is being have granted him a full appeal against the earlier ruling. offered. According to court documents the plaintiffs are Mr Conway, who was too ill to attend the hearing eligible under rules set out in the 2015 Supreme Court stated: decision in Carter v. Canada. The C-14 Bill introduced in April 2016 restricts eligibility; and has drawn I am pleased that my case will now proceed to the criticism from constitutional scholars and human-rights Court of Appeal. I brought this case not only for myself defenders. Advocates have argued that the federal but on behalf of all terminally ill people who believe government is seeking to constrain the court process; they should have the right to die on their own terms. effectively aiming to re-litigate the issues that were Our voices deserve to be heard. considered in the Carter 2015 decision.

He said that he can no longer travel to the Dignitas Reference clinic in Switzerland, and is not prepared to put his -Dying with Dignity Canada newsletter family or doctors at risk of prosecution by asking for help in the UK. Mr Conway is being supported by UK https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/dwdcanada/ advocacy group Dignity in Dying, which stated that pages/3068/attachments/original/1512772112/ the Court of Appeal’s decision was ‘a signifcant step Dying_With_Dignity_Canada_-_December_2017_ forward’. Humanists UK will make another submission Newsletter_-_Final.pdf?1512772112 at the appeal hearing which will be opposed by the justice secretary, whose position will be supported by submissions from opponents of voluntary euthanasia: Taiwan Care not Killing and Not Dead Yet UK. The World Federation of Right to Die Societies advises Reference: that according to a newly approved law, from 2019 citizens of Taiwan can offcially complete an Advance Siddique, H ‘Terminally ill man can appeal against Decision which will be legal under explicitly described right-to-die ruling, say judges’, The Guardian conditions: 19th January 2018 https://www.theguardian.com/ society/2018/jan/18/terminally-ill-noel-conway-appeal- • terminal illness right-to-die-ruling • irreversible coma • permanent vegetative state • severe dementia The World Federation of • Other disease conditions, announced by the central competent authority, that shall meet all Right to Die Societies of the following requirements that the conditions The World Federation, founded in 1980, or sufferings are unbearable, that the disease is consists of 53 right to die organisations from incurable and that there are no other appropriate 26 countries. The Federation provides and treatment options available given the medical international link for organisations working to standards at the time of the disease’s occurrence) secure or protect the rights of individuals to to refuse life-sustaining treatment (LST) and self-determination at the end of their lives artifcial nutrition and hydration (ANH). Previously under the Hospice Palliative Care Act, only Canada terminally ill patients can write a letter of intent for the choice of hospice palliative care or life sustaining Dying With Dignity Canada (DWDC) reports that the treatment, which refers to the medical procedures society will go to court to defend patients’ rights in a which could maintain terminal illness patients’ vital high-profle legal case challenging aspects of Bill C-14, signs to extend dying process without curative effect. the federal assisted dying law. The Superior Court of However, when the Patient Right to Autonomy Act is Quebec has allowed DWDC to intervene in support in force in 2019, all patients can establish an advance of two plaintiffs who wish to exercise their right to a decision to decide what kinds of treatment they would peaceful death but have been denied access because refuse in future, when their clinical conditions are one they do not satisfy certain controversial eligibility of the fve clinical conditions mentioned above.

6 March 2018

Next: It helps to understand WHY we are such a highly SAVES’ honorary treasurer irrational species. After over three years as SAVES’ honorary treasurer, Brian then reminded the audience that modern humans, Vivienne Nielssen has stepped down from the role. Homo sapiens, evolved from a common ancestor more We sincerely thank Vivienne for all her hard work and than 10 million years ago, but 25 percent of Australians her methodical approach to dealing with the society’s believe this fact to be a monstrous hoax. Instead they fnances. Thank you to SAVES’ member Jo Hayhurst believe that humanity was created ‘in God’s image’ for taking up the position. We look forward to working only 6,000 years ago. He posed the question as to why with Jo. authentic scientifc evidence is so fatly rejected by the devoutly religious. Brian argued that it is because modern humans still retain a primitive limbic brain. Brian Morris: SAVES 2017 AGM Neuroscience can now verify that beliefs which guest speaker become embedded in the limbic brain tend to be highly personalised; very much a part of ‘who’ you are. Mr Brian Morris, director of Plain Reason, was guest speaker at the SAVES 2017 Annual General Meeting. Such beliefs will be defended vigorously by people’s Brian is a former journalist and public relations innate survival mechanisms. They will develop professional and the author of the critically acclaimed defensive biases that reject any facts which contradict book Sacred to Secular. Prior to retirement he ran strong convictions. Denial of evidence is a key factor his own Sydney-based media/PR consultancy The for the devoutly religious, especially Evangelists and Publicity Agency. Creationists; those who believe in a ‘literal and inerrant Bible’. National polls show these Creationist beliefs Brian gave a thoughtful and engaging address entitled are still held by around 25 percent of the population. “A religious minority making us all suffer unto death”; These include a high proportion of state and federal a topic suggested by SAVES president Frances parliamentarians. Brian also noted that Australia has Coombe. Brian made it clear from the outset that one of most religious governments in the Western he ‘applauded the majority of moderate Christians world; as borne out most recently by an article on the who support VE’ and ‘acknowledged that it is only ABC’s Religion and Ethics website, titled “Opposition a minority of the devoutly religious who oppose to Assisted Dying in Australia is Largely Religious”. this humane “voluntary” option at end-of-life’. Key Brian noted: highlights from his talk follow as they are bound to be of interest to SAVES members and other readers. Brian ‘It states that of Christians who oppose voluntary argued: euthanasia law reform 9.8 percent are Catholics, 7.5 percent are Anglican, 7.1 percent are Uniting First: We should all know that humans really are Church, and 26.5 percent are Other Christian; mostly highly irrational. from evangelical and Pentecostal churches…But He pointed out that we marvel at the complexity of the overwhelming majority of Australians support our brain but we know that it constantly lets us down. voluntary euthanasia and that includes a majority of “We are confused by the simplest things and tricked Christians; the moderates who don’t take a literalist by optical illusions, sleight of hand conjurors, and by interpretation of the Bible. So, indeed, it really is ‘a unaccountable sounds. Without science our perceptions religious minority that makes the majority suffer unto of the natural world are pathetically small. Only with death’. the capacity to reason have we harnessed the power In dealing with this reality Brian reminded the audience of science and begun to understand our world and the that: universe. But in our daily lives our ability to reason can be badly fawed. We tend not to think critically, or even (1) Parliamentary politics is based entirely on to use basic logic. We often form irrational opinions political ideology. that can become cemented as our own personal ‘truth’”. (2) Religious fundamentalism that opposes VE is based on religious ideology. Brian noted how we create a ‘reality’ that ignores new evidence and defes logic. “We treasure our own So the religiously devout are no different to people opinions on everything - on sport, politics, history, who hold a staunch political agenda; one that is based religion, climate change, and the full range of social on emotion and personal opinion, rather than facts and topics”. evidence. Therefore with both politics and religion it is essential NOT to argue only on “facts” alone. As

7 we have seen, their personalised beliefs will only reject contrary evidence! So, the key factor is to also appeal to ‘emotions’; why VE matters to those who are suffering; how it affects their families and friends; and why your beliefs are not superior to my rights”. Brian argued that any honest politician will tell you that the ‘waiverers’ or politicians who vote against VE do so for fear of upsetting powerful religious bodies. ‘It’s how the Australian Christian Lobby has operated for decades- mobilising a few church parishioners to write, phone and visit their local MPs. It’s why they are successful.’ He said that it is important for the VE supporters who outnumber the no vote by almost 4 to 1 to mobilise and start lobbying now. He pointed to SAVES 2018 election plan on the website [as discussed on page 1 of this Bulletin] with a focus on stressing the emotional arguments and not ‘just the facts’. Brian’s take home message was that: ‘Only through such concerted action will we fnally overcome that “religious minority who continue to make us all suffer unto death”’. SAVES sincerely thanks Brian for his engaging address and for taking questions from the audience. A free online copy of Secular to Sacred is available from the Plain Reason website at https://www.plainreason.org/ k301?hootPostID=605096194b52eccb1d30ccf197f34d9b

Celebrating Victoria’s success in Adelaide

From left Anne Bunning (SAVES campaign manager) Frances Coombe (SAVES president), Susie Byrne (Nurses Supporting Choices in Dying), Roger Hunt (Palliative care specialist and member of the Victorian Expert Panel), Julia Anaf (SAVES vice-president), and John Willoughby (Doctors for Assisted Dying Choice): Dr Roger Hunt proposes a toast to the late Mary Gallnor; a former SAVES president on this memorable occasion.

DONATIONS TO SAVES SAVES members continue to be generous donors towards the society’s campaign for law reform. The different initiatives and ongoing work incur considerable costs, even though the society is staffed entirely by volunteers.

All donations, large and small, are always welcome and much appreciated.

Thank you!

8 Newsletter 54 November 27 2017 End of Life Choice

Newsletter on current debates

For patients who cannot be adequately Two Queensland supported at home, paramedics may be paramedics who requested to provide transport to hospital. went out of their This may arise when the patient is way to fulfil the A paramedic’s struggling to breathe or has developed an final wish of a additional ailment that has the potential to palliative patient cause distress. At other times, it may be and bring her to because family members are having the beach one last time say they're difficulty coping with the stress and perspective humbled by the uncertainty that comes with watching a worldwide person in their dying stages. attention. Unfortunately, there is another scenario in A photograph of a Beau Summer has worked as a which paramedics are called upon to paramedic Paramedic for the past 14 years. The standing by a attend terminally ill patients. This female palliative patient in a stretcher looking out following views are his own and do happens when a person, faced with not necessarily represent those of over the waters at Hervey Bay has gone viral since it unbearable suffering and feeling like they was shared on Queensland Ambulance Service's SA Ambulance Service. have run out of options, chooses to end Facebook page. The majority of palliative care patients are their life by whatever means they have It revealed paramedics Graeme Cooper and Danielle well managed by a supportive team of available to them. This may come in the Kellan were transporting a patient to the palliative nurses, doctors, family and friends. It is not form of a drug overdose or more violent care unit of the local hospital when she expressed often that paramedics are directly involved means involving weapons or motor that she just wished she could be at the beach again. in their management. A good palliative vehicles. These methods are distressing for The crew took a small diversion to a local beach. care plan is just that though - a plan. Plans the person but can also cause trauma for “She said she loved the esplanade and the beach and we said, ‘well, do you want us to take you down by may seem logical but can be difficult to the family members or neighbours that follow at 2am when a loved one is the esplanade and pop you out of the truck and give discover the person, and for paramedics, you a look at the ocean?’ She was just ecstatic. struggling to breathe or suffering with police officers and fire fighters who attend. unbearable pain. It is during these times "If you're sensitive to your surroundings and what's that paramedics are called upon to attend a These methods can place members of the going on and you can seize a small window of patient who is unfamiliar to them. During public and emergency service workers at opportunity, take it." the crisis the paramedic is required to read "She said to Danielle, she's content now and that risk through traumatic injury or poisoning everything is as it should be. and interpret paperwork, at the same time with dangerous chemicals; and these as dealing with distressed family members "I can't describe the feeling, when you're in these methods are not always successful. The situations with people. It's just very humbling." and a critically ill patient. We do the best person may then be taken to hospital, we can under these difficult circumstances “I said to the patient, ‘what are you thinking?’ She but we always strive to do better for our which only adds to their distress. For was looking out towards Fraser island and she said, patients. My view is that more open paramedics attending a suicide or an ‘I’m at peace, everything’s right’.” (ABC , 23.11.17) conversations around death and dying attempted suicide, many strong emotions will allow us to do the best for our can arise. Images of a deceased person can It is my belief that the legal choice of patients. remain for a long time, particularly when voluntary euthanasia (VE) will not only violent methods have been used. In a lead to greater choice and composure, A relatively new and specialised role career that already has above average but also lead to greater care. VE will within SA Ambulance Service, called facilitate more open conversations suicide rates, these cases can exacerbate Extended Care Paramedics (ECP), was between patients, family members and the stresses of an already stressful working created with the aim of avoiding taking health care professionals. Even though life. people to hospital. ECP provides treatment only a few people will choose voluntary to people in their own home or place of For paramedics, helping people and euthanasia, the choice provides those who trying to preserve life is central to what seek it with greater control. VE laws have residence. ECP clinicians do not solely the potential to empower people, and will attend palliative care patients but the role we do. Understandably then, attending a encourage more people to consider and is well suited to manage the particular palliative care patient can present unique understand end of life decisions. needs of people in palliative care. challenges. Respecting the patient’s wishes is paramount but it is impossible to plan VE laws will not eliminate the need for The combination of palliative care teams, for every scenario. Difficult decisions must palliative care patients to sometimes backed up by ECP, means that most sometimes be made. Family members can attend hospital. They will however help palliative care patients can remain at home, be left with a sense of helplessness and some people to be better prepared if that is their wish. Whilst this is an revert to what we are used to doing when during these moments and for others to excellent outcome for the majority, it is someone is sick – we take them to hospital. perhaps avoid it altogether, by ending important to not overlook the minority. It is Despite the fact that this may not be part their lives at a time and place of their the people for whom palliative care cannot of ‘the plan’, patients sometimes find choosing. To go without pain, without provide adequate support that we so themselves in an emergency department trauma, without breaking the law, desperately need law reform, as well as surrounded by nurses and machines, without endangering others and without reform of our mindset towards death and rather than at home surrounded by their suffering. To go gently, peacefully and dying. loved ones. with dignity. Newsletter of the South Australian Voluntary Euthanasia Society saves.asn.au 0421 305 684 Voluntary Euthanasia Support Groups Several advocacy groups share the aim of law reform to allow choice for voluntary euthanasia under prescribed circumstances. These groups are listed below, including contact details for members and other interested parties who may seek to join or make enquiries.

Doctors for Assisted Dying Choice: Website- http://drs4assisteddyingchoice.org/ Dr. Rosemary A. Jones North Adelaide Medical Centre, Suite 22, 183 Tynte St North Adelaide, SA 5006.Tel: (W) (61) (8) 8239 1988 Fax: (W) (61) (8) 8239 1085 Mobile: 0407 729 407 Email: [email protected] Professor John Willoughby Mobile 0499 078 938 [email protected]

SA Nurses Supporting Choices in Dying Convenor: Ms Susie Byrne Email: [email protected] Facebook: SA Nurses Supporting Choices in Dying.

Christians Supporting Choice for Voluntary Euthanasia Website: www.christiansforve.org.au National Co-ordinator: Ian Wood Villa 1, Hampton Mews, 4 Wills Place, Mittagong NSW 2575 Email: [email protected] Patron and Member of the Executive: Rev Dr Craig de Vos, Minister North Adelaide Baptist Church, 154 Tynte Street, North Adelaide SA 5006 Ph: (W) 08 8267-4971 (M) 0402 305 029 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nabc.org.au

Syndicated Voluntary Euthanasia Youth Advocates- ‘SAVE-YA’ Convenor: Ms Amy Orange: [email protected]

Lawyers for Death with Dignity Spokesperson Stephen Kenny: [email protected] or Emma at [email protected] with Lawyers for Death with Dignity as the subject heading. Mailto: [email protected]

My Body My Choice VE spokesperson Phillip Beddall: https://www.facebook.com/MY-BODY-MY-Choice-VE-350165335178263/?sk=timeline&app_data People with disabilities in support of Voluntary Euthanasia

South Coast Support Group Convenors: Denis and Pat Haynes [email protected]

Paramedics Supporting Choices in Dying: https://www.facebook.com/Paramedics-Supporting- Choices-In_Dying-190670851528106/ Paramedics Supporting Choices In Dying is a group of Ambulance Offcers and Paramedics who believe in the rights of people to make decisions regarding their end of life wishes. We support good palliative care, encourage the use of Advanced Care Directives and advocate for law reform to legalize the choice for Voluntary Euthanasia and Voluntary Assisted Dying. New members are welcome to join this facebook group.

10 NOTICE OF SAVES GENERAL MEETING

The SA Voluntary Euthanasia Society Inc. (SAVES) will hold its frst 2018 public meeting at

NOTICE OF SAVES 2017 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Box Factory*** Please 59 note Regent change St ofSouth, time Adelaide The SA Voluntary EuthanasiaSunday Society Inc. April (SAVES) 22nd will at hold 2.15 its pm 2017 AGM at The Box FactoThery 59 focus Regent will be St on: South, Adelaide Sunday October 29th 2017 at 2.00 pm The next voluntary euthanasia/assisted dying Bill in Parliament Tea/coffee and biscuits willGuest be available speaker at will the be conclusion of the meetings. Brian Morris, director of Plain Reason, who will speak on the topic “A religious minorityAll making welcome! us suffer unto death’’ SAVES 2018 AGM will be held on Sunday November 4th at 2.15pm Tea/coffee and biscuits will be available at the conclusion of the meetings. All welcome! Business will include the president’s and treasurer’s reports, and election of office bearers for a period of one year. Written nominations for official positions must be received by South Australian VoluntaryThursday Euthanasia 12th October Society Inc. (SAVES)

Annual Membership fees: Single $30.00 (Concession $15.00), Couple $40.00 (Concession $20.00) Life membership: Single $350.00, Couple $500.00 Annual fees fall due at the end of February. Payment for two or more years reduces handling and costs. MEMBERSHIP FORM print and post or join online at https://www.saves.asn.au/join Date______Renewal ( ) New Member ( ) Surname(s) including Mr/Mrs/Ms etc. ______Given name(s) or Initial(s) ______Address ______Suburb/Town ______Post Code ______Phone (Home) ______(Work) ______Email ______(is also used to provide additional information) Year(s) of Birth (optional) ______Please make cheque or money order payable to SAVES and send with this form to:

□ SAVES Membership Officer, PO Box 2151, Kent Town SA 5071 Or pay by Electronic Funds Transfer:

□ Commonwealth Bank BSB 065 129 Account Number 00901742 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: When renewing membership please email [email protected] to confirm your EFT renewal.

Do you wish to receive the Bulletin (newsletter) as attachment in PDF format? ______How did you hear about us? ______Your area of expertise that could be of help to SAVES ______Membership fees for ______years $ ______Office use Plus donation to support the work of SAVES $ ______Database Treasurer

Total $ ______Changes Letter

SAVES' members support the society's primary objective which is a change in the law, so that in SAVES’appropriate members circumstances support the and society’s with defined primary safeguards, objective death which may beis broughta change about in the as anlaw, option so that of in appropriatelast resort circumstances in medical practice. and with These defned circumstances safeguards, include death the freemay and be informed brought requestabout asof thean option of last resortpatient in medical and the freepractice. exercise These of profess circumstancesional medical include judgement the andfree conscienceand informed of the request doctor. of the patient and the free exercise of professional medical judgement and conscience of the doctor. SAVES IS NOT ABLE TO HELP PEOPLE END THEIR LIVES SAVES IS NOT ABLE TO HELP PEOPLE END THEIR LIVES (SAVES(SAVES is is not not associated associated withwith Dr Philip Nitschke oror EXIT EXIT InternationalInternational)) SAVES’ Primary Objective: A change to the law in South Australia so that in appropriate circumstances, and with defned safeguards, death may be brought about as an option of last resort in medical practice. These circumstances include the free and informed request of the patient and the free exercise of professional medical judgment and conscience of the doctor.

Committee: President Frances Coombe Vice Presidents Julia Anaf Arnold Gillespie

Hon. Secretary / Minutes Secretary Frances Greenwood Hon. Treasurer Jo Hayhurst Membership Offcer Elice Herraman General member Rosemary Doolan

Patrons Emeritus Professor Graham Nerlich Emeritus Professor John Willoughby

Telephone Frances Coombe 0421 305 684

Internet www.saves.asn.au

SAVES Bulletin is published three times a year by the SA Voluntary Euthanasia Society Inc. (SAVES). Letters, articles and other material for possible publication are welcome and should be sent to SAVES Bulletin Editor, SAVES, PO Box 2151, Kent Town SA 5071. The statements and views expressed by contributors do not necessarily represent SAVES offcial policy. Material in this publication may be freely reproduced provided it is in context and given appropriate acknowledgement. Editor: Julia Anaf

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