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

As AMA (SA) delegate to the AMA National Conference, Dr Roger Hunt focused on the needs of hopelessly and terminally ill patients. He raised three motions. The first was to amend AMA policy to include the statement that 'The AMA support the provision of palliative care for all Australians who need it', which was strongly supported.

A second motion was that AMA policy be amended to read 'that the AMA support doctors whose primary intent is to relieve the suffering and distress of terminally ill patients in accordance with patients' wishes and interests, even though a foreseen secondary consequence is the hastening of death'. This motion was passed 65 to 48 with five abstentions.

The third motion called on the AMA to adopt a neutral stance on the issue of voluntary euthanasia. This was to reflect the diversity of views amongst members and allow better congruence with community values and the integrity of the patient - doctor relationship. Although defeated 79 to 34 votes with seven abstentions, this result nevertheless represented a marked increase in support for a neutral stance from the previously held position.

Reference:

1. Brooksbank, M and Hunt R, Report in SA Medical Review July 2002