SAVES is not affiliated with Exit International / Dr Philip Nitschke and opposes the public availability of a 'peaceful pill'.

Ways in which the right-to-die movement might proceed strategically into the next decade were discussed at the 2000 Boston conference by Dr. Joe Bandy, Professor of Sociology at Bowdoin College in Maine, and attorney and author Mary Clement.

Professor Bandy stated that although public opinion supports voluntary euthanasia, public activism is far more limited,arguing

One major reason may be that, unlike other movements which struggle to eliminate suffering, the right - to - die movement seeks to do so by promoting suicide as a choice, an issue that is taboo in our culture and frightening for many to even consider. Motivating activists, especially those who do not face immediate end - of - life decisions or terminally ill conditions, is therefore difficult.

Dr. Bandy challenged the conference by saying

'The right-to-die movement must endeavor to create a popular culture that helps a fearful public overcome its fears about death by presenting models that are more dignified and even more joyous. Rather than a fade into oblivion, death must be presented as the way to punctuate and give completion to a vibrant life.'

To promote end of life education Dr Bandy considers that the services of the medical profession and the church must be involved, for it is essential that alliance and coalitions be cultivated. These may include medical reform movements, nurses unions and organizations of senior citizens. Alleviating suffering is one of the primary motivations of any great movement, and Dr Bandy believes prospects for the right-to-die movement are immense and quite encouraging.

Mary Clement told the conference

'A social movement does not appear and grow in a vacuum. It grows out of cultural and economic changes, unmet needs and shifting priorities that percolate below the surface and then gradually emerge into mainstream debate and public policy. The movement has been spurred on by the values of individualism, participation and self-determination and it will be impossible for the restraining forces to ever stop this momentum.'

She cited the climate of the rights culture of the 1960s where active participation in decisions that affected people's well being was promoted. The challenge is therefore to motivate the needs of the hopelessly ill, just as they have historically supported other vital social reforms, with positive and enduring results.

Based upon an article 'The euthanasia movement needs broader appeal' by Karla Hankes in
The World Federation Newsletter November 2000