|
The following article is from the SAVES newsletter, The
VE Bulletin, Vol 17 No 3, November 00
Voluntary Euthanasia Workshops
Planning for the first two workshops to be run by the Voluntary Euthanasia
Research Foundation (VERF) is now well under way. The first will run in
Sydney in mid November and this will be followed shortly after by a similar
event in Melbourne. The workshop program was developed as an adjunct to
the Euthanasia Information Clinics, currently run by VERF, when it was
found that a significant percentage of those attending the clinics were
not ill, but concerned about how to prepare themselves to be in control,
if their health were to deteriorate. Dr Philip Nitschke, the Director of
VERF, said that preparation for the venture had taken longer than had originally
been expected.
"There is a considerable amount of material needed to be prepared for
the workshops. Each participant will receive the teaching materials some
time before the planned workshop so that they may better acquaint themselves
with the issues to be discussed, and also be aware of some of the limitations
of such a gathering. It is likely that the workshops will complement rather
that replace the clinic program, because they will target different groups."
Dr Nitschke said that each participant will be provided with a legal
disclaimer which they will be asked to sign before the planned workshop
date. This is to protect those coordinating the program and others attending
the workshop.
The Melbourne workshop will be held in the Downtowner Motel, Carlton,
with approximately 6 to 10 people expected for the first trial. The venue
for the Sydney workshop is still to be determined. Dr Nitschke will run
the first event but other guests will be invited to provide specific information
on particular aspects of voluntary euthanasia.
In general, the topics will be determined by those attending, but would
typically include:
-
Legal considerations in Australia. The law as it relates to voluntary euthanasia
and suicide.
-
Advance directives and medical power of attorney - variations in different
states.
-
Realistic expectations of disease process, good palliative care and what
it can provide.
-
'Slow euthanasia' or 'pharmacological oblivion' as a legal option.
-
The use of drugs to end one's life: pitfalls and important considerations.
-
Non-pharmacological methods in common use.
-
The future: Research, law reform in Australia, the 'peaceful pill' and
other initiatives.
The workshops, like the clinics, will be free, but all those attending
will be asked to make a donation to offset the considerable costs involved
in setting up and running the program.
Bookings for the workshops can be made by contacting the VERF national
number: 0500-83-1929. Information sheets for those considering participating
are also available from the Voluntary Euthanasia Society of Victoria, 80
Greville St, Prahran 3181.
VERF, Darwin, August 2000.
|
|
