Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide in Australia

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“Six weeks since this state launched assisted dying laws”
(SBS News [South Australia] — March 21, 2023)
The new laws came into operation six weeks ago.  It took more than 25 years to get legislation through the state parliament [South Australia].

No matter how long it takes.

By way of comparison, it took 18 years for assisted suicide to be transformed into a
“medical treatment” in Hawaii.

Articles
“‘This substance will cause death’: New euthanasia rules announced”
(Source: The Canberra Times — September 26, 2018)
“Euthanasia drugs will also have to be kept in a steel box with a label affixed warning “this substance will cause death.”
“…It is understood work is under way that would allow the state government to import lethal medications used elsewhere in the world.  They could include pentobarbital (better know as Nembutal) and another barbiturate sedative known as secobarbital, which are banned for human use in Australia.”
More on Drugs Used

Australian State passes assisted suicide bill:
“Victoria’s Parliament has passed the Voluntary Assisted Dying bill, which will see pharmacists involved in euthanasia process”
(Australian Journal of Pharmacy — November 29, 2017)
The coroner will be informed of voluntary assisted dying deaths and death certificates will record the manner of death as voluntary assisted dying.
[Note:  This differs from doctor-prescribed suicide bills in the US where death certificates are to record the manner of death as “natural.”]

“I want to care for people, not kill them”
(Daily Telegraph — November 16, 2017)
The real question for politicians is not whether they should legislate to allow “assisted dying,” but rather why they have not ensured adequate funding for palliative care and geriatric medicine services so that all patients approaching the end of life can access the type of medical care that will truly give them dignity and relief of suffering….
While assisted suicide and euthanasia are advocated in terms of an individual’s autonomy and the “right to choose” there is overwhelming evidence from overseas jurisdictions that what appears to be a personal choice is often in fact someone else’s choice and what starts as a “right to die” soon becomes a duty to die.

“Young people opt for euthanasia drug as overall number of deaths grows”
(Sydney Morning Herald — July 12, 2015)
More Australians are taking their own lives with a drug recommended by euthanasia groups, including people aged in their teens, 20s and 30s….Euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke said the figures reflected that the drug was getting easier to obtain and was displacing some more violent methods.  He said the fact younger people wee accessing the drug should be balanced against “the very large number of people who get immense comfort from knowing they have a safety net in place.”

“Euthanasia knocked back in Tasmania”
(Bioedge — October 23, 2013)
A bill to legalise euthanasia and assisted suicide in the Australian state of Tasmania has failed in the lower house by a vote of 13 to 11. The result was anticipated, but the battle was still heated, with ten hours of debate over two days.

“Battle of wills over sale of Nancy Crick death house”
(New.com Australia — September 29, 2013)
The family of euthanasia advocate Nancy Crick is fighting over money from the sale of the Gold Coast house where she killed herself.  An autopsy report showed there was no sign of bowel cancer when Mrs. Crick downed the lethal dose of barbiturates.

“David Penberthy: A holiday to die for with Dr. Phil”
(Adelaide Now — June 1, 2013)
You could call it the trip of a lifetime except you would get done for false advertising. From a crowded back catalogue of madcap and macabre ideas, Dr. Philip Nitschke is trying to line up a cheerful travel agent so that terminally ill folds can fly to Switzerland and be euthanased.

“Elder Suicide Depicted as ‘Rational'”
(National Review — April 3, 2013)
When elderly, disabled, or ill people kill themselves, reports depict the deed as empowering or laudable exercises in personal autonomy.

“Rational Suicide: Why Beverley Broadbent chose to die”
(The Age — April 2, 2013)
Beverley Broadbent was not dying of a terminal illness, nor was she depressed or unhappy.  But, at 83, she wanted to die. The environmental activist chose to tell her story because she believed many elderly people wanted to die when they felt their life was complete, but lacked the means to go gently.

“Euthanasia could become a matter of will in South Australia”
(The Advertiser; Adelaide, South Australia — January 4, 2013)
South Australians could choose voluntary euthanasia as an option in their living will in the event they develop an “intolerable” condition or disease later in life.  State Labor backbencher Steph Key is working on new voluntary euthanasia legislation and will meet with interest groups at the end of this month.

“‘Kill Me’ Living Will Coming to Australia?”
National Review — January 4, 2013
Now, a bill soon to be introduced in the South Australian Parliament — where euthanasia is always bubbling on the legislative stove — would permit people to be killed by doctors based on instructions made, catch the irony, in a “living will.”

“Greens try to overturn ban on euthanasia”
(Sydney Morning Herald — November 19, 2012)
Euthanasia will be thrust on to the national agenda again with the Greens set to introduce laws that would overturn a ban on the territories legalising the controversial practice.
Greens senator Richard Di Natale, a doctor, will today announce that the party is drafting legislation that would wind back a 1997 Kevin Andrews bill that banned the Northern Territory, ACT and Norfolk Island from allowing euthanasia.

“Sick and Tired: young man not terminally ill but desperate for the right to die”
(Brisbane Times — October 6, 2012)
In his quest for a peaceful death, Mr. Bedford has approached Dignitas — an assisted dying clinic in Switzerland that helps foreigners with “unendurable disabilities” end their lives.  The Australian euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke is confident Mr. Bedford’s application will be granted. If it is, he says Mr. Bedford will be the first Australian without a terminal illness to be approved by the clinic.


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PHILIP NITSCHKE, Australia’s “Dr. Death”

“Creator of ‘suicide pod’ wants to make body implant that would kill you if you forget to deactivate it”
(Independent — December 20, 2021)
“Dr. Philip Nischke said such a device could allow people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to seal their death years in advance while still of sound mind….
“So what we’re working on here is some sort of an implant which you have to switch off every day. When you’ve forgotten why you’re switching something something off that’s beeping, then you will die.”

“Swiss Approve Use of Suicide Pod”
(National Review — December 6, 2021)
“Some time ago, the Australian ghoul and suicide promoter, Philip Nitschke, invented a machine for  use in making oneself dead.  He calls it the “Sarco Suicide Pod,” a futuristic Gizmo the suicidal person enters.  Once the lid is closed, the despairing person answers a few questions and then pushes a button to be killed….”
Switzerland has now legalized use of the device.

“‘Dr. Death’ Philip Nitschke tells what really happens in suicide clinics”
(Starts at 60 — May 4, 2018)
Nitschke said he’d like elderly people over a certain age to be offered the drugs, (which could be kept securely at their homes), should they ever wish to take them.
“If we had a model whereby people over the age of 70 were issued the drugs, and they had to be secured in the house, then it’s no more dangerous than having rat poison in the house,” he added.

“Nitschke designs new euthanasia machine with detachable coffin”
(BioEdge — November 17, 2017)
The machine will allow anyone who has the access key to end their life by simply pressing a button.  Developed in the Netherlands by Nitschke and an engineer, the machine can be 3D printed and assembled in any location….When the person lies in the capsule, he can activate it and liquid nitrogen will rapidly drop the oxygen level, leading to death in a few minutes.

“Nitschke wants euthanasia access for over-70s”
(Sky News — October 24, 2017)
“What’s being proposed here is that elderly people have a right to get the best drugs.”  Mr. Nitschke says people over the age of 70 should be able to have the legal access to 10 mg. of Nembutal to use “if they wish.”

“Philip Nitschke: I don’t judge people at all if they want to die”
(The Guardian — December 27, 2015)
Nitschke has pushed the boundaries of what the hippocratic oath allowed him to do as a doctor by arguing for voluntary euthanasia throughout his career and, in more recent years, by promoting rational suicide — the difficult idea that someone does not have to be terminally ill or depressed to want to die….”That should be an essential human right.  In other words, you don’t have to be sick to qualify for voluntary euthanasia.  Everybody qualifies.”

“Young people opt for euthanasia drug as overall number of deaths grows”
(Sydney Morning Herald — July 12, 2015)
More Australians are taking their own lives with a drug recommended by euthanasia groups, including people aged in their teens, 20s and 30s….Euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke said the figures reflected that the drug was getting easier to obtain and was displacing some more violent methods.  He said the fact younger people wee accessing the drug should be balanced against “the very large number of people who get immense comfort from knowing they have a safety net in place.”

“At last, we wake up to Dr. Death, Philip Nitschke”
(Herald Sun — July 7, 2014)
Euthanasia guru Dr. Philip Nitschke is furious the ABC has finally pinged him for actually helping the healthy to kill themselves….[According to Nitschke] “And someone needs to provide this knowledge, training, or resource necessary to anyone who wants it, including the depressed, the elderly bereaved, the troubled teen.”

“Euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke criticised over support for 45-year-old who committed suicide”
(ABC News — July 3, 2014)
“If a 45-year-old comes to a rational decision to end his life, researches it in the way he does, meticulously, and decides that…now is the time I wish to end my life, they should be supported.  And we did support him in that,” he said.

“Welcome to Adelaide’s House of Death…”
(Herald Sun — November 16, 2013)
“Every person of sound mind should have the option of a peaceful death and it should not be up to others to assess or judge,” Dr. Nitschke said.  “People are coming to me for social reasons — they are tired of life and they want realistic choices.”

“Between life and death”
(Source: Canberra Times — August 31, 2013)
In his recent autobiography, Philip Nitschke makes and astonishingly frank disclosure. He says that immediately after helping people to kill themselves back in the mid01990s, he had an overpowering need for sex.
Nitschke advocates a “peaceful pill” being freely available to anyone of sound mind over the age of 50.

“David Penberthy: A holiday to die for with Dr. Phil”
(Adelaide Now — June 1, 2013)
You could call it the trip of a lifetime except you would get done for false advertising. From a crowded back catalogue of madcap and macabre ideas, Dr. Philip Nitschke is trying to line up a cheerful travel agent so that terminally ill folds can fly to Switzerland and be euthanased.

“Even euthanasia advocates are disturbed by this story”
(Mamamia.com –November 12, 2012)
Susan Potts was a healthy, 89-year-old. She was fit, physically mobile and by all accounts living a happy and enjoyable life….[Dr. Philip Nitschke] defends the right of someone to take their own life, even when fit and healthy. In fact,Nitschke goes so far as to argue that legally the Government should allow people to access the necessary drugs from the age of 50, if they so choose.

“MS sufferer killed herself after visit from ‘Dr. Death’ euthanasia website”
(Telegraph — October 12, 2012)
The family of a woman suffering from multiple sclerosis have slammed the “abhorrent” euthanasia website that helped her find a way to end her life.
An inquest heard that Mrs. Veasey’s health had been deteriorating, she had money worries and had been diagnosed with depression.  The court was told she had met with someone from pro-choice website Exit International six weeks before taking her own life with the drugs she bought online from China.
Australian-based Exit International was founded by the prominent campaigner Dr. Nitschke and describes itself as a “leading end-of-life information organisation” and details methods of suicide.

“Euthanasia expert Philip Nitschke accused of gas import scam”
(Source: The Australian — August 31, 2012)
Euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke faces a second inquiry that could lead to his being barred from medical practice, after authorities were notified of the use of a sham beer-brewing company to import nitrogen cylinders capable of being used for suicide. Max Dog Brewing, which has a red cattle-dog advertising logo, has been advertised on euthanasia websites as able to provide the tanks, which are compatible with plastic bags used for suffocation.

“Plans for Mobile ‘Death Van’ Trial”
(ABC News — June 29, 2012)
The state’s Dying with Dignity Bill is expected to be before parliament by the end of the year.  Exit International’s Dr. Philip Nitschke says the home-based service could be operating soon after. “If that does take place, it’ll be important to make sure that there are structures in place so that people can get the best medically-assisted suicide available,” he said.

“Nitschke wins right to use euthanasia drug”  (The Advertiser, 9/26/11)
He will provide the drug Nembutal (pentobarbital) to a Victor Harbor woman who wants to die….It is used in the US state of Oregon for physician-assisted suicide and is also used by the Swiss euthanasia group Dignitas.  In the Netherlands, a pentobarbital elixir is used for physician-assisted suicide.  The drug is also approved for use in executions in the US states of Oklahoma, Arizona and Texas.

“‘Death Drug’ to Be Imported to Australia” (7 News, 8/1/11)
“Controversial euthanasia campaigner Dr. Philip Nitschke claims he has found a legal loophole to import a drug [Nembutal] used in assisted suicides….He has discovered it can be imported legally, if a doctor applies to the Therapeutic Goods Administration with an acceptable medical reason…’I’ll prescribe it as a sedative; what they do is up to them'”

Nitschke reveals killing machine (The Age, 5/31/03)
Crushed ants and car battery acid used as key chemicals in Nischke’s new do-it-yourself suicide device.

“Nitschke’s death machine seized,” (The Age, Australia, 1/11/03)
Customs inspectors seize suicide machine and plastic Exit bags.

“Nitschke to unveil death machine”(The Age, Australia, 1/6/03)
Nitschke plans to unveil the machine in San Diego on January 12.

“Dicing with death” (Sydney Morning Herald, 12/20/02)
“Nitschke admits that many seeking his advice are depressed”   “Euthanasia is an obsession for the 56-year-old Nitschke….”

“Too tired to go on, Ruth, 80 takes lethal dose” (Sydney Morning Herald, 12/16/02)
Sydney woman is latest healthy elderly person to commit suicide after consulting with Philip Nitschke.

“Healthy choosing premature death, says Nitschke” (The Age, Australia, 12/16/02)
80-year-old woman’s vision was deteriorating but she was otherwise healthy.

Assisted Suicide: Not for Adults Only? See: Children and Teens
Philip Nitschke is among the activists who have advocated permitting assisted-suicide for children and teens.

“Nitschke launches suicide machine” (Sydney Morning Herald, 12/3/02)
Nitschke has launched the COGEN machine that he says will let people take their own lives peacefully by breathing pure carbon monoxide.

“A practical guide to suicide” (Sydney Morning Herald, 12/2/02)
Nitschke’s workshops include how to assist in suicide and how to lie about doing so.

“Australia’s Dr. Death” (Source: National Review Online, 11/26/02)
Philip Nitschke has expressed the view that assisted suicide shouldn’t be restricted to just one subgroup of people, like those with terminal illness.  He favors making it available to all who are old enough to understand death so they can die at the time of their choosing.

“The woman who feared a birthday” (The Age, Australia, 11/26/02)
Healthy 79-year-old Lisette Nigot’s suicide note was released by euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke who said Nigot was one of a growing number of healthy people seeking his help.

Computers seized in raid on Nitschke’s home (8/7/02)
Detectives investigating Nitschke in assisted suicide death.

Outrage over suicide bag giveaway. (Sydney Morning Herald, 7/9/02)
Nitshcke’s organization to make Australian “exit bags” after Canadian group stops shipments.

Background on Nitschke’s Euthanasia Advocacy
•  Computerized death program
•  Australia’s euthanasia law overturned
•  Attempting to develop suicide pill
•  Euthanasia clinics planned
•  Claims 15 euthanasia deaths
•  Additional death clinics planned
•  At euthanasia leaders’ meeting, Nitschke presents suffocation as “double exit” method

DEATH OF NANCY CRICK

“Battle of wills over sale of Nancy Crick death house”
(New.com Australia — September 29, 2013)
The family of euthanasia advocate Nancy Crick is fighting over money from the sale of the Gold Coast house where she killed herself.  An autopsy report showed there was no sign of bowel cancer when Mrs. Crick downed the lethal dose of barbiturates.

Euthanasia movement damaged over revelations surrounding death. (5/31/02)
“…the public sees the hand of the euthanasia advocate on the shoulder of the sick person and that is unseemly.”

Crick death brings more questions than answers. (5/30/02)
“Catchcries such as ‘death with dignity’ and ‘the right to die’ undoubtedly are heartfelt but they do not satisfactorily answer the legal challenges inherent in framing a law free of abuse, manipulation or de facto extension.”

Nitschke regrets misleading about Crick’s condition. (5/30/02)
Nitschke declares that euthanasia should be available not only to terminally ill cancer patients but also to those in chronic pain.

Senator calls for Crick inquiry. (5/28/02)
The pro-euthanasia lobby, which used her as a test case, garnered support by claiming that she was suffering terminal cancer.  This has now shown to be a lie.”

Dr. Philip Nitschke revealed that the writings of Peter Singer have influenced his own campaign to legalize euthanasia.  Singer openly promotes infanticide and euthanasia.

Background on Crick case.