[Greens-Media] Greens move for voluntary euthanasia in NSW

[Peter Stahel]

Greens move for voluntary euthanasia in NSW

Greens MP Cate Faehrmann will today give notice of a bill to legalise
voluntary euthanasia for the terminally ill in New South Wales.

"The Greens' bill will provide the option for people who are terminally ill
to end their life in a dignified manner, free from unnecessary pain,
humiliation and suffering," said Ms Faehrmann.

"Public support for voluntary euthanasia is at around 80%. It's time
politicians in Macquarie Street caught up with the general public and join
Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and others in legislating for
voluntary euthanasia.

"Unfortunately for a small group of people with a terminal illness, even the
best palliative care cannot alleviate all suffering.

"In our civilised society, a medically assisted death should be one of the
choices available to terminally ill adults who want to die with dignity,"
said Ms Faehrmann.

The bill will be based on Ian Cohen's Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill
2001. The bill will contain extremely stringent conditions and safeguards.
Media contact: Peter Stahel 0433 005 727