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Kelly Miels says that what we are missing in this country “…is the right of the terminally ill…to die a dignified death”.
by Kel Miels
Australia is one of the few countries in the western world that does not have a Bill of Rights for our citizens. Nevertheless, through or system of laws, our human rights are – in the main – well protected. We have the right to vote, freedom of speech, the right for a fair trial, the freedom of religion, as well as access to health care and public education. We have the right to life, which is protected scrupulously through our laws. What we are missing is the right of the terminally ill in this country to die a dignified death.
Euthanasia means, in fact, “a good death”. The very word “euthanasia” can be enough to turn the quietest of mouths into an overdrive of vocabulary and frenzied argument and debate. It has been said by those opposed to euthanasia that it is philosophically, morally and religiously wrong. From a traditional Christian’s perspective, it is seen as murder and goes directly against the biblical commandment of “Thou shall not kill”.
It is currently a crime in our country to assist in euthanasia; however, this hasn’t always been the case. In 1995, a world first took place in Australia: The Rights of the Terminally Ill Act was passed in the Northern Territory, legalising euthanasia. This legislation enabled four suffering people in 1996 to die in a very humane and peaceful way — to end the suffering in the way they wanted. Dr Philip Nitschke was the first Doctor in the world to administer voluntary euthanasia legally. The law was quickly overturned only eight months later, in the following year, by the Federal Government. This intervention is something I view as a failure of democracy.
Dr Philip Nitschke is the Director and Founder of the pro-euthanasia advocacy group Exit International. He is a humanist and an Australian medical doctor known for his continuing controversial campaigning to have euthanasia legislated in Australia. Labelled by some as ‘Doctor Death’, he has received many awards for his years of effort, including being named Australian Humanist of the Year in 1997.
With Australia’s increased cancer rates, the chances are that you have known somebody who has fought hard for their life, been terminally ill or has an extremely poor quality of life due to some medical condition.
The idea that euthanasia should be made lawful really touched home with me after I watched my father slowly die, suffering and in agony from bowel cancer in 2007. There comes a point when the pain is too much to bear and even the strongest of pain relief medications aren’t enough to provide relief. For those of you who have experienced something similar, you know how heart-breaking it can be to watch your loved ones endure what can only be described as physical torture and for them to have no choice or control in the matter.
The pain and undignified manner in which some people have to experience could be viewed as worse than even death. Isn’t it worse to keep people alive under those circumstances rather than be kinder and follow through with their wishes while they still have the choice and independence?
We need to put ourselves into the shoes of those who are suffering. When attempts to treat and cure people are no longer an option, shouldn’t euthanasia be a right that every human being should have regarding their own body and to have their decision respected? It would give great peace of mind to someone who has found out that they are terminally ill, knowing that they had a choice that is compassionate and dignified. A choice would bring relief to the many people who are suffering and searching for a painless death at the time of their choosing without society and the Government denying them their wish due to ethical, moral or religious views.
It is true that in order for euthanasia not to be abused, rigorous regulations and guidelines must be in place as the result of stringent legislation that would need to be put in place in Australia. It is paramount that people who wish to choose death over suffering should be psychiatrically evaluated and undergo counselling to make sure that it is the right decision for them.
Whether you are for or against the idea of euthanasia, it is a very important issue — one filled with emotion and one that is extremely complex. Each one of us is unique and with dignity and value, with our own beliefs and opinions on life. To be Australian is about living free of fear, harassment and discrimination, to have the human right to make decisions regarding our own bodies. Do we really have the right to impose our views and beliefs on others and expect them to be followed, just because they differ from our own?
15 Comments
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You make it appear so black and white. Before I start I want to state that I have been in a similar position to you, only in my opinion worse. My grandmother spent approx. 15 years dying.
Euthanasia is murder, if your killing someone no matter how good your intensions it is still murder. To ask a doctor to take someones life isnt fair or right.
Many people who may be dying may not want to die, but feel that they are a burdern mentally and economically on their family, as such they may decide to let themeselfs go – for someone to even think about making that decision isnt right.
Not only that but some people may just decide its all too hard and decide to end it, at the emotional expense of their family.
Im not 100% against it, but believe it isnt a black and white issue, nor is it a human right to be euthanised. If a person wants to die they can refuse treatment.
I feel its a tough issue, and should be debated on whats best for familys not individuals nor go on about human rights. Its a tough, emotional decision.
Mark, I never said it was a black and white issue!! I clearly stated that it is important and extremely complex.
Read the story again about my opinion on how strictly I view the law and guidelines for euthanasia.
I am sure that not all Doctors would be willing to euthanise the suffering, however Dr. Nitschke has proved that there’s at least one out there.
I’m extremely sorry to hear about your grandmothers pain.
It’s such a small issue, it’s not like if it’s allowed we’re asking people to kill themselves. Having the option to die with dignity and on your own terms before you become obsolete and dependent on a machine.
Alex, I think Kelly will agree with me, when I say that its obvious you have no real understanding of the issue, if you call is a “small issue”.
It is never a small issue, when asking someone if they want to live or die!
Let me clear up when I say small issue – it’s minor in legislative terms, a simple vote on the parliament and this is done. Not consistently dragging it out and flogging it with talk but no action or policy.
I’m not saying it’s a small issue asking someone to die, just the whole process of getting euthanasia in Australia is minor. It’s not something as major like the economy, cost of living and so on. Not everyone classifies it as a front and center issue.
Similar to gay marriage, the community supports it but all the MPs in parliament don’t (except the Greens and some Independents) – so we don’t get any results. The same way it’s a minor issue, something that could be sorted out so quickly but it isn’t.
Even in legislative terms it isnt simple. There are all sorts of senarios that would have to be thought off.
Of course, there’s the difference between voluntary and involuntary. I don’t support involuntary myself. A bill would need to be carefully presented and hopefully taken to a conscious vote. We know how Labor don’t like voting for something that isn’t their own.
Why don’t we just copy and paste the Swiss/Zurich legislation regulating this, which is a civil code, meaning all virtual scenarios have to be codified?
http://www.dotspress.com/a-swiss-canton-rejected-by-referendum-the-ban-on-euthanasia/772350/
http://www.care.org.uk/news/impact-direct/the-bbc-and-the-swiss-referendum-on-euthanasia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euthanasia_in_Switzerland
And while we are at it, let’s insert a right to animal welfare while we are at it…
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/switzerland/7120931/Switzerland-to-hold-referendum-on-lawyers-for-animals.html
Although euthanasia is not something I would have voted for: I think that if you are doing to die, you are going to die. Wait. Do it naturally, with a smile and without a cope-out. If pain is an issue, there are plenty of drugs now that can keep you alert and pain free. Moreover, I suggest we legalise marijuana for medical purposes:
http://www.ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Montana_Medical_Marijuana_Allowance,_Measure_I-148_(2004) (The people legalised it, then the legislature repealed it – they hate freedom)
http://www.ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Oregon_Medical_Marijuana_Act,_Measure_67_(1998)
http://www.ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Massachusetts_Sensible_Marijuana_Policy_Initiative_(2008)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Proposition_215_(1996)
http://www.ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Maine_Medical_Marijuana_Initiative,_Question_5_(2009)
Publius,
It is easy for us to sit here and say die naturally with a smile on your face, as we are fortunate enough not to be in the situation.
No amount of medication can take away or even lessen the pain of what some people have to go through.
Let us hope that if we ever have to endure the suffering of a painful terminal illness that we are given a choice.
If it means we cut the spin and banter some of the old ctrl+C and ctrl+v wouldn’t be too bad.
I couldn’t agree more with legalising marijuana for the terminally ill.
Publius, its easy to say just copy what someone else does. Kelly is right just saying to let someone die naturally, even with pain often doesnt cut it.
Mark, Kelly. As I am not sure what the drugs out there are to deal with pain (I simply do not know whether “no drug” can lessen the pain, but take your word for it0, but as a big believer in science, I am sure this is a contingent issue that shall wither away as we do develop such drugs and/or extend life with other technologies to deal with the issues you raise (the British company GW Pharmaceuticals, including an inhaler-type spray and a tablet, would be considered). Alot of this has to do with state of mind: if you have will you can get through it, although that is another issue. Until then, Marijuana and other medications seems like a more viable alternative given it raises less moral issues (and relieves pain).
Mark, I was merely pointing to a model, which provides full details, for how a system of assisted suicide woould work here in Australia.
It shouldn’t be about how other people feel, it is about a dieing person choosing to dye. It is a selfish idea but it would be selfish of us to ban it. If it passed it would not be mantory it would be a choice. A person can take a drug to lessen phyiscal pain, but the mental, emotion pain. With the knowing that you will die in two months, and watching your family suffer beside you.
It would an incredilby strong act. But maybe the people it would effect most, only vote on this. Because, forgive for saying this yet again, Euthanasia is a choice, maybe the cowardly one or one full of courage. We are forced to live, but can’t we choose to die when we want to. It’s their body. Their choice.
I would like to add something, according to the state you live in you can reject treatment, and cause yourself pain, and then die.
I watched my Mother die on 16/10/2011. She was admitted to hospital on Tuesday 11/10/2011 at end stage ovarian cancer. She was admitted to hospital to die. The hospital knew that she would not be going home, my Mother, my Father and I knew she would not be going home. The hospital assured us that she would be kept comfortable until her death. My mother weighed 70 kilos, 30 kilos consisted of severe odema in her lower body.
On Wednesday morning she argued with the doctor and stated that she was being treated worse than a dog. She stated that if she was an animal there would be no hesitation in allowing her to die. She asked the doctor to help her die. He replied that he understood and respected her request, but his hands were tied and he could not break the law. My mother turned to my father and asked him to spend every penny they had to help her die. My Mother drifted in and out of a drug induced stupor for 4 more days before finally succumming to her illness on Sunday morning. She literally drowned to death in the fluid her body had produced. There was nothing pleasant or dignified about her death. It is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I do not believe in euthanasia for euthanasia’s sake. I do believe that our laws need to change so that in my Mother’s case an injection could have been administered to end her life. As I have said all involved knew and acknowledged that she would die in hospital.