Euthanasia

We are now seeing proposals for the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia in Australia gaining momentum, particularly through the Federal and NSW Greens. The Federal Greens have announced that its ‘first priority’ is the introduction of a bill to overturn the Federal parliamentary ban on voluntary euthanasia in the ACT and NT. Parallel to this, the NSW Greens have recently given a notice of motion in the NSW Parliament to introduce a bill to legalise voluntary euthanasia in NSW.

Christians need to arm themselves with the facts about euthanasia, and call on our representatives in NSW Parliament to resist these pressures for reform on voluntary euthanasia and look instead to funding better palliative care, especially in rural and regional Australia. As a community, we need to foster a climate of support for those facing the end of their lives, and transform ourselves corporately and individually into a people that cares for those who are dying, lonely and vulnerable.

The Social Issues Executive held an information night on Tuesday 26 October where Dr Megan Best, Rev Dr Michael Jensen and Dr Karin Sowada advocated a position against euthanasia and about the benefits of palliative care as a real and effective solution to the suffering and pain that may be experienced at end of life.

The following resources may help you learn more about euthanasia and palliative care, as well as providing you with information about how to get involved in the parliamentary process.