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

SAVES will again hold a rally to respect the wishes of the late Shirley Nolan OBE, who had asked that the circumstances around her death be publicised to assist in promoting legislative reform for voluntary euthanasia. Ms Nolan, a member of SAVES, was best known for her outstanding work in giving life to many through the internationally renowned Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust, founded in memory of her son.

Suffering greatly from advanced Parkinsons disease, a condition she had lived with for over 20 years, Shirley felt that she had no choice but to end this suffering by taking her own life in 2002. Given the position of the law on assisted suicide, it was necessary for her to do so alone, without support, so as not to implicate others.

This is a travesty of justice which she exposed by giving SAVES her personal papers with the express wish that these be used to further the cause for voluntary euthanasia legislation. An open letter was published in all major Australian newspapers and internationally, including in the Times of London.

To commemorate the first anniversary of her death SAVES held a rally on 16th August 2003 on the steps of Parliament House. Cross party parliamentary support was shown by politicians from major and minor parties addressing the rally in support of the Dignity in Dying Bill.

Please show your support for SAVES’ aims by joining a rally to be held again on Parliament House steps between 12.00 noon and 2.00 pm on Wednesday March 31st. A range of speakers will address the rally.

PLEASE SHOW YOUR SOLIDARITY BY JOINING US ON THE DAY. WE NEED YOU THERE!

Julia Anaf