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

SAVES President Mary Gallnor and I travelled to Boston to attend this important conference which was held between 1st and 3rd September. Hosted by The Hemlock Society, a major right-to-die movement in the United States, this exciting and stimulating event celebrated the 20th anniversary of both Hemlock and the World Federation of Right to Die Societies.

My first impression, as I sat and listened on the first day, was one of great intellectual and moral strength, and simple but immense compassion. The highly qualified and eloquent speakers, numbering about 70, had travelled from such places as Switzerland, Japan, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Colombia. Approximately 30 of them attended from within the United States. They spoke on a diverse range of topics including 'Legal Developments in the Right to Die Movement', 'The Secret of Large Memberships', 'Assisted Death - Part of the Continuum of Hospice Care' and 'Depression and Requests to Hasten Death'. Other topics discussed were 'When is Life Not Worth Living?', 'Decriminalising Assisted Dying in Colombia' and 'Refusing Food and Hydration - A Way of Hastening Death'.

Australian speakers also starred in this 'feast of delights'. The Hon. Sandra Kanck MLC spoke about 'Legal Developments in Australia', and showed just how progressive South Australia is in the world scene with its two Voluntary Euthanasia Bills - unsuccessful, yes, but indicative of our strength and promise.

Philip Nitschke, the first doctor in the world to legally assist a patient to die, gave a vibrant dissertation - 'In Search of a Better Way'. Dr Nitschke was introduced by Judy Dent, widow of Bob Dent, who was the first patient assisted by Dr Nitschke under the NT Rights of the Terminally Ill Act.

On the last day of the conference Helga Kuhse, Honorary Research Fellow at Monash University and former World Federation President, spoke impressively about 'Non-voluntary Euthanasia in the Netherlands, Australia and Belgium'. Dr Rodney Syme, President of the Voluntary Euthanasia Society of Victoria and head of 'The Melbourne Seven', a group of doctors who challenged the law by publicly admitting they had assisted patients to die, spoke with quiet passion about 'Double Effect: Help or Hypocrisy'.

Libby Drake, Secretary of the World Federation and former SAVES committee member, recounted the detailed process by which she had secured the appointment of Stephen Jamison as Development Officer. Without her expertise this would not have been possible.

Stephen Jamison spoke about his role and accomplishments to date. He is establishing a website, incorporating information about member societies, and has some insightful ideas on future strategies for the World Federation. The importance of the support network co-ordinated by Stephen, and the presentation of a world face to the right- to- die movement cannot be overestimated. The formation of a Development Officer position was Mary's initiative, and as President, it is one of her greatest achievements.

Mary worked very hard juggling many responsibilities during the conference. She also gave a number of TV, newspaper and radio interviews; and articles relating to the conference were published in three Boston newspapers. 'Not Dead Yet', a group representing people with disabilities, who were opposed to the conference, demonstrated across the road from the hotel. Strict security was enforced and all of this attracted much welcome publicity.

Although the conference was tightly scheduled, with speakers and meetings from 7.30 am until 6 pm each day, I took advantage of any opportunity to speak with some of the other delegates, numbering around 350, and this in itself was extremely interesting and productive. For instance a chairperson of one of the Hemlock chapters found our mini- display worthwhile and requested further information. I also purchased conference memorabilia including a t -shirt and jumper printed with the slogan "Life Shouldn't be a Sentence". The many ideas shared and enjoyed between delegates are the real essence of a successful conference.

Mary and I are very appreciative of the grant from SAVES which helped finance attendance at this very rewarding conference. My brain and heart are full of the joy of knowledge, and I'm even more positive about the eventual reality of legal reform.