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

SAVES President Mary Gallnor extended a warm welcome to invited guests, members, and friends of the society who attended the July 30th general meeting. She gave an overview of current developments in Australia and overseas, and after a short silence was observed as a mark of respect for the late Sir Mark Oliphant, the Hon Sandra Kanck MLC spoke briefly about the decision to draft a new voluntary euthanasia bill.

South Australia will soon again be the focus of important legislation, incorporating many aspects of the Voluntary Euthanasia Bill 1996 (the Levy Bill), but with modifications supported by the Law Society of SA. Ms Levy, who also addressed the meeting, expressed regret at the demise of the legislation she had initiated, but was positive about the success of a future bill.

After the audience had viewed the video 'Final Exit' by Derek Humphry, community pharmacist Phil Grummett answered many questions arising from this readily available video on self-deliverance. He advised that the drugs used in self-deliverance, referred to in this video, are now unobtainable in Australia.

While there are certain drug combinations which may prove lethal, these are considered highly unreliable. This reality will inevitably lead to further research into effective alternatives, a situation which could be averted by humane legislative reform. After the meeting members renewed acquaintances and shared informal discussion and debate over light refreshments.