Northern Territory Euthanasia Collection - Address to the U3A by Marshall Perron, September 2008

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CreatorPerron, MarshallScope and ContentsPerron addresses the University of the Third Age on the subject of dying and the fact that increased lifespans lead to increases in the time it takes to die. This results in routine decisions to withdraw medical treatment leading to death. These decisions are rarely made by the patients themselves. Voluntary euthanasia allows patients to make these decisions for themselves. Perron then discusses the reality of suicide in Australia including the methods used, its frequency, and the consequences for those left behind. Perron finishes by outlining reasons why pressure to legalise voluntary euthanasia is growing, including the rise of individual autonomy and the decline of religious authority.BackgroundThe Northern Territory was the first jurisdiction in the world to explicitly legalise euthanasia. The Rights of the Terminally Ill Act 1995 (NT) entered into law on 1 July 1996. The following year the Commonwealth Parliament intervened to overturn the Act. Section 50A was added to the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 to prohibit the Northern Territory from making laws in respect of euthanasia. The Rights of the Terminally Act was in force for 9 months, during which time four people died by medically assisted suicide through its provisions.DateSep 2008;1/09/2008;30/09/2008;KeywordVoluntary EuthanasiaDeathMedically Assisted SuicideIndividual AutonomySafeguardsReligionSuicideCollectionNorthern Territory Euthanasia CollectionCollection Number14-024Alternative CollectionPage 1118-1124LanguageEnglishProvenanceThe NT Euthanasia Collection contains donations from a number of contributors. This item was donated by Mr Marshall Perron.Related MaterialPlease see folder list for the NT Euthanasia CollectionCultural AdviceAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers should be aware that this collection may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.LocationArafura Research ArchivePhysical DescriptionElectronic Document - 7 Pages

PersonMarshall PerronNancy CrickPeter WellingtonPlaceVictoriaOrganisationDying With Dignity Victoria

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TopicEuthanasia

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