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The VE Bulletin Excerpts
'No price is too high to pay for
the privilege of owning yourself' Rudyard Kipling
Vol 19: No 3 November 2002
The 'peaceful pill'
SAVES endorses the following statement by the Voluntary Euthanasia Society of Victoria
Following the discussion on the 'peaceful pill' at the AGM, the VESV Committee
met on March 13th 2002 and again discussed its position.
The previous policy of VESV was to refrain from open support of the concept
of a 'peaceful pill', on the grounds that it was contrary to the constitution
of VESV, that it was in conflict with our fundamental aim of law reform,
and that it had potential to cause harm if not carefully controlled. The
Committee felt that it had a duty to explain this position to the membership
who, we felt, would be attracted to the idea if they were not fully informed.
At the AGM a 'straw poll' was conducted, which had no binding effect on the
Committee. This confirmed that the concept had popular appeal but that members
had concerns about it being freely available. If it were to become a reality,
it should be used with safeguards. The meeting strongly endorsed support
for both the 'peaceful pill' and law reform.
Your Committee is unanimous in the view that VESV's position should not change
since support of the 'peaceful pill' is outside the aims of the Society.
Pursuit of law reform and vigorous support for the 'peaceful pill' are incompatible.
The Society's financial position is such that its resources are fully committed
to the pursuit of its present policies directed at law reform.
There is no split in your Committee on this issue, nor do we believe that
there is amongst members. There is no evidence that VESV is losing members
over its position on this matter. We do not deny that there may be merit
in other organisations pursuing the development of the 'peaceful pill', and
suggest that if members wish to contribute to this, they can make a donation
to EXIT Australia, and at the same time continue to support the law reform
objectives of VESV. Development of a 'peaceful pill' will never be a substitute
for law reform.ncluding income level, political allegiances and religious persuasion.
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