6. ‘DOUBLE EFFECT’
1.THE PHYSICIAN LACKS CRIMINAL INTENT
2.DEATH IS CAUSED BY THE UNDERLYING ILLNESS
3.OVER-SEDATION IS IN THE PATIENT’S BEST
INTERESTS
8. In 1995-1996,
30%
of all Australian deaths involved a medical
end-of-life decision.
9. In 1995-1996,
30%
of all Australian deaths involved a medical
end-of-life decision.
ONLY 4% OF THESE WERE MADE IN RESPONSE TO
A DIRECT REQUEST FROM THE PATIENT
10. “ Illegal euthanasia illustrates dramatically
what might be called ‘medical anti-
professionalism’, that is, an absence of
appropriate training, an absence of
oversight, an absence of accountability, and
an absence of principles guiding oversight
. ”
Professor Roger Magnusson, Angels of Death: Exploring the Euthanasia Underground
18. THE NETHERLANDS LEGALISED EUTHANASIA IN
2002
In 2003, deaths attributable to euthanasia comprised less than
1.5% of the total deaths that year.
In 1995, deaths attributable to euthanasia or assisted suicide
comprised 2.4% of the total deaths
In 2001, they comprised 2.5%
22. Before a request for euthanasia is made, two
medical practitioners acting independently must
fully inform the person of -
c) the forms of treatment that
may be available to the patient
and the respective risks, side
effects and likely outcomes of
such treatments; and
d) the extent to which the effects
of the illness could be
mitigated by appropriate
palliative care;
Voluntary Euthanasia Bill 2010 (SA), section 5
26. SANCTITY OF HUMAN SLIPPERY SLOPE COST OF HEALTHCARE
LIFE
AGAINST REFORM
FAMILY PRESSURE COMPETENCE STATUS QUO
27. WHAT WOULD BE THE
IMPLICATIONS FOR OTHER
STATES IF THE VOLUNTARY
EUTHANASIA BILL (2010)
PASSES?
28. AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION, s
117
States are prohibite
d from enacting law
against residents o s that discriminate
f other states
29. The Bill does not require a person seeking
euthanasia to be a South Australian
resident, nor could it by virtue of s 117.
ASSISTED SUICIDE IS A CRIME IN EVERY STATE
AND TERRITORY IN AUSTRALIA.
30. UK DPP PUBLIC INTEREST FACTORS AGAINST
PROSECUTION
The victim had reached a voluntary, clear, settled and informed
decision to commit suicide.
The suspect was wholly motivated by compassion.
The actions of the suspect, although sufficient to come within the
definition of the crime, were of only minor encouragement or
assistance.
The suspect had sought to dissuade the victim from taking the
course of action which resulted in his or her suicide.
The actions of the suspect may be characterised as reluctant
encouragement or assistance in the face of a determined wish on the
part of the victim to commit suicide.
The suspect reported the victim's suicide to the police and fully
assisted them in their enquiries into the circumstances of the suicide
or the attempt and his or her part in providing encouragement or
assistance.
31. “
Nothing in this policy could be taken to
amount to an assurance that a person
will not be prosecuted if he assists the
suicide or attempted suicide of another
person . ”
Kier Starmer, QC, UK Director of Public
Prosecutions
33. CREDITS
ALL IMAGES LICENSED UNDER CREATIVE
PHOTOS:
COMMONS
:
1. FLICKR / dad loves potato chips / Susan NYC
3. FLICKR / Jayney after... / Irregular Shed
4. http://jmason.org/albums/2004-04-Road-Trip/arizona-territorial-
jail.jpg
5. FLICKR / Injections / amasc
6. http://www.freefoto.com/preview/9905-04-3/Crime-Scene-Do-Not-
Enter
7. FLICKR / ReSurge International
11.FLICKR / The Law / smip.co.uk
12.FLICKR / Election Night Crowd, Wellington 1931 / National Library NZ
16.FLICKR / Religion Plays an Important Part in the Lives of Residents / US
National Archives
20.FLICKR / CascadeAndSTAN
23.FLICKR / Golden Wedding Celebrations at the Orthopaedic Hospital,
Gobowen / LIGC ~ NLW
25.FLICKR / Older Citizens, Retired Persons and Those Unable to Care for
Themselves Physically Are Cared for in Two Community Centers / US
National Archives
26.FLICKR / freedryk
29.http://jmason.org/albums/2004-04-Road-Trip/arizona-territorial-
