Dear O Sung Wu,

You ask, "How about those oldies who are just sick of life?"

That is something that needs to be looked at.

I believe in death with dignity and some medical
conditions such as severe depression or no longer the
will to live can cause such painful and prolonged suffering
that the capability of the medical profession to alleviate
this suffering by means of palliative care is surpassed.

However, many people have a well founded fear of the
possible abuse
of physician assisted deaths in cases such as you describe.

The main victims of such possible abuse as described in
quite a few articles on the web tell us that they could well
be the most vulnerable members of society. The poor, the
disabled, and the like. Those who cannot pay for prolonged
accommodation in health care facilities and intensive care
units. So we need to tread carefully in this legislation
to ensure safe guards are put in place to protect these
vulnerable people.

I have made it quite clear to my family that when my time
comes that I do not want to have my life prolonged by
machines.

I like what Desmond Tutu wrote on his 85th
Birthday in an article in the Washington Post:

"I am prepared for my death and have made it clear that
I do not wish to be kept alive at all costs. I hope I am
treated with compassion and allowed to pass onto the next
phase of life's journey in the manner of my choice."

Intractable suffering robs the victims of most of their
dignity. Medical science and practice is currently capable
of the prolongation of human life. It can often result in
unnecessary and pointless suffering - and this is an
issue that needs to be addressed in our society. The
legislation that the state of Victoria is about to pass
for the terminally ill, is a step in the right direction.

This is what I would call a step in the right direction,

BJ Miller: 'What really matters at the end of life'

http://www.ted.com/talks/bj_miller_what_really_matters_at_the_end_of_life#t-741167

The politicians need to be told.

Dear FOXY...There's no doubt, you get right to the heart of the matter, in the most intelligent and eloquent way. Thank you.

Dear O Sung Wu,

Thank You for your kind words.

I don't know the answers to so many questions regarding
the 'right to die' issue, but it is a debate that we
need to have to decide the kind of society we
want in this country.

.

Dear Foxy,

.

I wrote an article entitled “Justice – A matter of Life and Death” that was published in the Australian Quarterly magazine’s Jul-Sept 2014 edition.

The Australian Greens picked it up and submitted it in their "Medical Services (Dying with Dignity) Bill 2014" to the Federal Parliament. You will find it on submissions page 7, N° 133 on the following link :

http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Legal_and_Constitutional_Affairs/Dying_with_Dignity/Submissions

I think this answers your question … plus a little more.

.

Dear Banjo Paterson,

Thank You for the link.

It's brilliant, and covers all the pros and cons and
as you pointed out - so much more.

Well worth a read and much appreciated.

It gives me much to think about and weigh up.