Northern Territory Euthanasia Collection - My Body My Business, Speech by Marshall Perron to the End of Life Forum, 15 May 2011

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CreatorPerron, MarshallScope and ContentsPerron's speech begins on death, its inevitability, and the fact that it is increasingly a decision made by medical specialists due to increased life spans. Perron quotes Palliative Care Australia that the Australian Community needs to have a dialogue on death, that it is natural and expected. Perron argues that voluntary euthanasia advocates have always sought an expansion of palliative care as the two are not mutually exclusive - voluntary euthanasia exists as a last resort where palliative care is no longer effective. Currently the only option for those whom palliative care no longer works is the withdrawal of treatment, coupled with sedation, leading to death - essentially euthanasia but without the same safeguards and autonomy. Suicide is an option chosen by four Australians over the age of 70 every week, usually violent and lonely. Perron reiterates that the primary motivator for voluntary euthanasia is a loss of personal autonomy and dignity.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. Date15/05/2011KeywordDeathPalliative CareMedically Assisted SuicideSuicideVoluntary EuthanasiaCollectionNorthern Territory Euthanasia CollectionCollection Number14-024Alternative CollectionPage 1331-1336LanguageEnglishProvenanceThe 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 - 6 Pages

PersonMarshall PerronPlaceQueenslandOrganisationPalliative Care Australia

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TopicEuthanasia

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