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

The July 1999 Newsletter of the VES of NSW contains a list headed Twelve Principles for Euthanasia Law Reform which has prompted us to draft our own adaptation. We do this in a spirit of co-operation rather than competition in the hope that this will lead to a version that is generally acceptable among voluntary euthanasia societies. Please send any comments and/or suggested improvements to our Hon. Secretary, SAVES, PO Box 2151, Kent Town, SA 5071 or by email c/o raym@adam.com.au

1. All people have a fundamental right to die with dignity.
2. Voluntary euthanasia, i.e. a requested medically assisted death in specified circumstances, should be a choice available in law to competent adults.
3. A competent adult should be able to ask for voluntary euthanasia when afflicted by a condition which has resulted in an intolerably distressing and irreversible reduction in quality of life.
4. Any decision about how to die must be fully informed. People should be informed by a medical practitioner of their diagnosis, their prognosis, their options in responding to their condition and all other relevant information.
5. Being fully informed without the means to act on one's choice is not sufficient. People should have access to the appropriate means, whether their choice is to continue with or discontinue therapeutic care, to accept palliative care, or to request euthanasia.
6. A request for euthanasia must be made freely, ie without duress, and clearly expressed.
7. A second independent medical practitioner must examine the patient and confirm that all legal requirements for voluntary euthanasia to proceed have been met.
8. Only a medical practitioner may prescribe the means to effect death, and then only on the basis that a doctor must be present when they are used and remain in attendance until death occurs.
9. Where the person is unable to self-administer that means to effect death, or prefers not to, only the attending medical practitioner may administer it.
10. Any person requested to participate in a death by voluntary euthanasia has the right to refuse.
11. Any person who participates in good faith in a death by voluntary euthanasia should be immune from criminal and civil liability.
12. Provision should be made for:
• an advance request - for euthanasia to be administered in the event of permanent loss of competence; and (if desired)
• appointment of an agent - to support and interpret the request where necessary.