https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/drop-dead-disgrace/

What a disgraceful, vitriolic editorial is “Drop dead disgrace” (Catholic Weekly, 25 May) From the title to the picture of a young child holding an anti-Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) placard at the end of the article, it displays a total lack of empathy.

The unnamed author castigates NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Opposition Leader Chris Minns, both committed Catholics, for not doing more to scupper the VAD bill, describing their failure as “one of the most humiliating examples of meek acceptance of evil ever seen”. An incredible claim that, from any rational viewpoint, is blatantly untrue.

I suppose we should be thankful that the editorial did not openly advocate Perrottet and Minns be excommunicated.

The editorial portrays the NSW VAD law as imposing state-sanctioned killing. We will put aside for a moment the evil of Catholic sanctioned “killing” during the Crusades, in religious wars, the Inquisition, the burning of witches, the ‘troubles’ in Ireland, and the fact of the Catholic Church coverup of paedophile priests that led in turn to the tragic suicides of so many of their innocent victims.

A few facts…

• VAD is not killing. The Voluntary Assisted Dying Law is legislation to give a terminally ill person, who is already enduring suffering they find intolerable, their right to request assistance to end that suffering quickly and peacefully, at a time of their choosing.
• There is clear evidence that many patients given approval after their request for a VAD death, actually live longer and have a better end quality of life than those who do not request assistance.   The VAD law provides peace of mind and is palliative in its own right. Many assisted deaths, even of a person wracked with cancer, are described as ‘beautiful’.
• Advocates for VAD choice respect the need for Palliative Care but recognise that PC can never provide the complete answer and VAD provides the additional option to avoid futile suffering. In Oregon USA, with a law for almost 25 years, 90% of patients using their Assisted Dying choice are already in some form of hospice or palliative care. Note that in Oregon one third of patients approved for assistance do not proceed to take their fatal medication – it is like having an insurance policy you hope you never need.
• For the Catholic Weekly to compare Voluntary Assisted Dying choice with “the consignment of ethnic groups to the concentration camps”, is quite frankly obscene. As has been pointed out elsewhere, the Holocaust and the agony inflicted on the Jewish community and others has no connection whatever with the Voluntary Assisted Dying end-of-life choice.

Any person who disagrees with the Voluntary Assisted Dying choice is perfectly free not to initiate the rigorous assessment process needed to access the VAD option, and is perfectly free to choose to accept all suffering that comes their way as they are dying.

Many people were heartened and admired the honesty of Dr Robert Olvera, a Harvard-educated physician in California, and what he stated prior to the passing of the End of Life Choice Bill in California,

“As a Catholic and a physician, I feel compelled to dispel the myths about these bills perpetrated by the Roman Catholic Church, some disability groups, and the American Medical Association (AMA).

My 25-old daughter Emily Rose desperately pleaded for this option during the final few agonizing months of her life last spring when she suffered in horrific pain from terminal leukemia, despite getting great home hospice and palliative care.

As a Catholic, I pray to God for the passage of the bills authorizing medical aid in dying. These laws would ensure that dying Americans have the option to pass peacefully in their sleep, suffer less, and spare themselves the pain of a lengthy and prolonged death that my daughter had to endure.”

Personally, as a Christian, I found it informative that Dr Olvera was praying to God that the VAD Bill be passed, and those opposing VAD were praying that it not pass.  Olvera’s prayer was answered, and the End of Life Choice Bill passed in 2015. May we draw a conclusion from this?

Equally informative is the fact that the California Bill was signed by Gov. Brown, a committed Catholic, who had formerly trained as a Jesuit, and as Governor he actually had the right to veto this Bill.  Instead, in a very rational and compassionate letter, he concluded –

“In the end, I was left to reflect on what I would want in the face of my own death.  I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain. I am certain, however, that it would be a comfort to be able to consider the options afforded by this bill. And I wouldn’t deny that right to others.”

Religion, and the Christian Bible have long been used to support opposition to change, just as it was used to resist the abolition of slavery, university education and voting rights for women, use of pain relief for women in childbirth, and in attempting to prove that Earth was the centre of the universe.  History has shown this use of the Bible to be inappropriate.

A significant majority of Christians, including Catholics, believe the time has come to put love and compassion for a fellow human ahead of theological differences of opinion. This is why VAD legislation has been passed in every Australian state, and the VAD choice accepted by Australians generally. We would argue that Perrottet and Minns both acted responsibly – speaking against the Bill as they were entitled to do – but not abusing their position and power to frustrate the democratic process.

To reiterate – the key words are ‘voluntary’ and ‘choice’.

Ian Wood, Spokesperson for Christians Supporting Choice for Voluntary Assisted Dying. www.christiansforvad.org.au

Read more: Rev Michael Dowling and his address to South Australia Parliament in support of VAD as an end of life choice.  https://christiansforvad.org.au/rev-michael-dowling-presentation-to-south-australian-mps/#more-735

Read more. Rev Cardy from NZ expresses his religious support for VAD
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/09/euthanasia-referendum-how-religious-kiwis-are-deciding-which-way-to-vote-on-the-end-of-life-choice-bill.html?

Read more: Rev Kilgour of NZ – Sermon in support of an assisted death after his nephew in Canada used MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying). https://christiansforvad.org.au/rev-craig-kilgour-new-zealand-sermon-my-nephew-had-an-assisted-death-in-canada-it-was-compassionate-it-was-humane-it-was-right-and-good/#more-560

Read more: Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of Capetown and his support for VAD as an end of life choice. https://christiansforvad.org.au/archbishop-desmond-tutu-gives-his-blessing-to-the-voluntary-assisted-dying-campaign-in-australia/#more-371

We mourn the death of Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu on 26.12 2021

Archbishop Tutu was a leader in human rights issues as well as a strong supporter of Voluntary Assisted Dying.

One of the world’s most highly regarded religious leaders, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of South Africa  stated in the  video message above: “People who are terminally ill should have the option of dignified and compassionate assisted dying alongside the wonderful palliative care that already exists”.  “I pray that lawmakers, politicians and religious leaders have the courage to support choices terminally ill citizens make in departing Mother Earth with dignity and love.”

Ian Wood, spokesperson for the Australian group, Christians Supporting Choice for Voluntary Assisted Dying, said in 2017 on an earlier post on this website,  “I am delighted to learn that Archbishop Tutu is willing to give his blessing and support to our Christian campaign for legislation to allow the option of compassionate choice for a person who is terminally or incurably ill with intolerable suffering.”

“The Archbishop recognises the enormous value of palliative care, yet, as do all those who advocate Voluntary Assisted Dying, he also understands that the best palliative care cannot adequately relieve all futile suffering”, said Mr Wood.

Mr Wood continued: “It is significant that Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, UK, and head of the Anglican Church worldwide, had previously sent a personal message to Annie Gabrielides.”  Lord Carey said: ’I support this Statement [of clergy support for Anne and voluntary assisted dying] strongly and would love my name to be added. Do tell Anne that she is very much in my thoughts and prayers.’ 

Annie, died not long afterwards from the ravages of Motor Neurone Disease. She had been the ‘face’ of of the Voluntary Assisted Dying effort in NSW in 2017.

Victoria passed their VAD Bill that year, and it was lost in the NSW Legislative Council by one vote.

New South Wales is now the only state without a VAD law. A VAD Bill has passed the Lower House in 2021 and is due to be debated in 2022 in the Legislative Council after a Committee of Inquiry into the provisions of the Bill report is received.

The points NSW Members of Parliament need to consider are unchanged from 2017

These are.

-Please read the Bill.

-Please study the Victorian Ministerial Panel Report on Assisted Dying as it details the reasons behind the 66 recommendations the Panel made.

-Please consider the FACTS before voting, not the fear mongering of those opposing

– Please remember when voting that in a democracy you are representing the conscience of your voters, and vote Yes, to give us this basic human right, a say in the way we die.

I must admit I am baffled!

I am baffled that the Catholic Leader News, quoting the Salvation Army, (25.9.2020)  is using ‘love your neighbour’ as a reason for opposing Voluntary Assisted Dying!    Prolonging suffering is not an act of love!

I am baffled that the Vatican in their Samaritanus Bonus used the Parable of the Good Samaritan against VAD, and that they are still calling ‘euthanasia’ (VAD) evil and a grave sin.

I am baffled by a Catholic Church that in this century still insists that the use of contraception is intrinsically evil, that it is always immoral regardless of the intentions of the agents, the circumstances of the situation or the consequences of the action,” (Pope Paul VI)

Thankfully, and rationally, 3 out of 4 Catholics have demonstrated they are thinking and compassionate, and that they ignore the religious dogma against voluntary assisted dying just as an even bigger majority ignore the dogma against contraception.

As I stated in my Briefing recently to the Tasmanian Legislative Council, We are – Christians who believe that, as a demonstration of love and compassion, those with a terminal or hopeless illness should have the option of a pain-free, peaceful and dignified death with legal voluntary assisted dying.

Our vision essentially is – “Do unto others”, and “Love thy neighbour”, which leads to ‘How is love best served?’

Conservative Christians in the past opposed the abolition of slavery, opposed pain relief in childbirth for women, and opposed women becoming doctors and lawyers – we find a woman who passed her law exams in USA was told by a judge she could not practice as the “Law of the Creator” was she should be a wife and mother.  Conservative Christians opposed voting and property rights for women. In every case this Christian opposition to social change has been proved wrong!

Conservative Christians opposed marriage equality and discussion on sexual orientation.  We believe those Christians were wrong!

We should not forget that the church hierarchy indulged in a massive coverup of paedophile clergy, in many cases leading to the tragic suicide of the innocent victims Clearly those Christians were very wrong!

So how is love best served for a person who is about to die, but has suffering they find unbearable?

The ACL (Australian Christian Lobby) and many church hierarchy say hold that person’s hand, say that we are with you, but let the suffering continue. Where is their Christian empathy, we might well ask? The Vatican go a step further, saying that if the dying person has requested VAD, the chaplain or priest should ask that person, when they are at their most vulnerable, to admit their grave sin and attempt a death bed conversion back to accepting the church abhorrence of VAD. If this fails they should leave the dying person so as not to appear complicit in the VAD.

The Vatican statement and that of the Catholic Leader Newspaper is devoid of empathy for the dying person. They refuse to help the truly vulnerable dying patient to be put in control of their suffering – to say they have endured enough.  Of course, suffering can be much more than pain – drowning in your own saliva from MND, fungating tumours, are just two examples. Three Australian Inquiries have all reached the same conclusion – a VAD law is needed.

 It is significant that Quebec, formerly the most Catholic province in Canada, preceded all of Canada with their Medical Aid in Dying. A 2012 Parliament Report found  “After studying the changes in social values, medicine and the law, and in light of our comprehensive review of the issues and the arguments raised by hundreds of witnesses and thousands of comments, we have come to the conclusion that an additional option is needed in the continuum of end-of-life care: euthanasia, in the form of medical aid in dying. “

This led to the passing of the Quebec “Act respecting end-of life care” Bill 52, by 94 votes to 22 on June 5, 2014, to a standing ovation.

A huge majority of Christians would endorse this conclusion of the Quebec Inquiry.

We need to be aware of the fact that access to VAD is palliative in its own right. Paradoxically, many who are accepted for an assisted death live longer than those who do not request assistance. It removes the toxic fear about how they might die. The Vatican and Catholic Leader would deny the dying that peace of mind. And not only that, by denying the Sacraments to the dying person who even holds a membership to a pro-VAD organisation, it seeks to blackmail into repenting, using their fear of eternal damnation.

We are all aware that in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, it was the Samaritan, who as a race were despised by the Jews, who stopped to aid the wounded Jewish man, while the priest walked by on the other side of the road. Jesus, a Jew, used this story to illustrate the lack of compassion by his fellow Jews.  Yet somehow the Vatican have twisted this story to make it appear that because Jesus suffered death on the cross, the dying person now should somehow take comfort in that suffering and gain hope from it as they die with their own suffering.

Clearly the Church has lost any moral authority it may have once possessed. The continued opposition by the hierarchy and religious others to the choice of voluntary assisted dying for a person terminally or incurably ill with unbearable suffering, particularly for a person who is not of the Catholic faith, is a classic example of obstructionism and lack of empathy.

Our group, in its small way, represents the 75% of Christians in Australia, including 3 out of 4 Catholics, who, according to Vote Compass 2019, support Voluntary Assisted Dying as an end of life choice, showing true empathy, love and compassion for a dying person who is suffering needlessly.

VAD is an issue in our society whose time has come – The vast majority of Australians trust that  their MPs, will conclude that Christian love is best served by putting the patient in control of their suffering, and giving them choice in dying, under the provisions of Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation.

Those with religious or other beliefs against VAD simply do not go through the rigorous process of requesting it.

Ian Wood

Spokesperson and Co-founder, Christians Supporting Choice for Voluntary Assisted Dying

Read more. Rev Cardy from NZ expresses his religious support for VAD
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/09/euthanasia-referendum-how-religious-kiwis-are-deciding-which-way-to-vote-on-the-end-of-life-choice-bill.html?

Read more: Rev Kilgour of NZ – Sermon in support of an assisted death after his nephew in Canada used MAiD. https://christiansforvad.org.au/rev-craig-kilgour-new-zealand-sermon-my-nephew-had-an-assisted-death-in-canada-it-was-compassionate-it-was-humane-it-was-right-and-good/#more-560

Read more: Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of Capetown and his support for VAD as an end of life choice. https://christiansforvad.org.au/archbishop-desmond-tutu-gives-his-blessing-to-the-voluntary-assisted-dying-campaign-in-australia/#more-371

A Christian response to the Archbishop from Ian Wood.

I urge the Archbishop and his listeners on Cradio  to take the time to view two contrasting deaths, from the many I have on file.

The assisted death of John Shields in Canada. “At his own wake” https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/25/world/canada/euthanasia-bill-john-shields-death.html

A fascinating depiction of how John, raised in a Catholic family, was ordained as a priest, but left the Church after being barred from preaching when he challenged the church opposition to birth control. Read about John’s life as a social worker, his diagnosis with terminal neuropathy and then his advocacy for Medical Assistance in Dying, and using that choice at the end.

John Shields says goodbye to friends and family at his own ‘Irish wake’

Please compare John’s death with that of Flora Lormier from Multiple Sclerosis.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/help-die-family-release-heartbreaking-9614060#ICID=sharebar_facebook

Flora became paralysed from the neck down as her MS progressed.  Her daughter Tracey Taylor posted these photos on a Facebook page and in media such as the Mirror, UK, in the hope it would alert MPs to the futile horrific suffering endured by some people as they die.

Warning: disturbing images…..

Flora before her illness.

“She was like a prisoner of war in a concentration camp”

Yes, Archbishop, as you state, there have been advances in palliative care, but their own data clearly shows that as many as 1 in 6 patients in the terminal stage of their terminal illness report moderate to severe distress from pain and breathing problems. In jurisdictions with Assisted Dying choice, two facts become clear – 1) palliative care improves and 2) assisted dying choice is not an either/or with palliative care but simply another compassionate end-of-life option.

A terminal patient is, by definition, going to die. Voluntary Assisted Dying is not a choice between life and death, but gives an alternative way of dying for the patient to consider. Those who view voluntary euthanasia and assisted dying as against their beliefs simply do not go through the rigorous process of requesting this assistance!

[Voluntary] euthanasia or an assisted death does not deny the person the opportunity to say farewell, as the Archbishop suggests. If anything the opposite is correct – knowing when you are to have that assistance gives the time to say goodbye to friends, make amends for family problems or disagreements, etc – time that may not be possible if you are hooked up to machines as you die, or in that last resort of palliative care when all else fails, put into a coma with terminal sedation until you dehydrate or starve to death!

The real problem arises when various church hierarchy use their adherence to church doctrine and dogma to override and deny the majority of Australian Christians THEIR CHOICE to follow what they believe is a true final act of love and compassion.

Desmond Tutu, renowned Archbishop Emeritus of Capetown, advocates this choice here >  https://christiansforvad.org.au/archbishop-desmond-tutu-gives-his-blessing-to-the-voluntary-assisted-dying-campaign-in-australia/#more-371

I am very happy to discuss this issue further with the Archbishop and folk on Cradio, Tasmania, but for now leave them with the words of Governor Brown of California. Gov. Brown, who had trained as a Jesuit and is a committed Catholic, and had this to say when signing the California Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation. “In the end, I was left to reflect on what I would want in the face of my own death.  I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain. I am certain, however, that it would be a comfort to be able to consider the options afforded by this bill. And I wouldn’t deny that right to others.”

Ian Wood

National Coordinator and Spokesperson

Christians Supporting Choice for Voluntary Euthanasia

This is my response.

So Bishop Ingham believes advances in palliative care and pain management should negate the argument for the option for a dying patient, facing futile unnecessary suffering, to have a choice to end that suffering.

He does not say so, but we can assume he is adhering to the Catholic doctrine that suffering can be redemptive.

Nurse Barnes disputes the Bishop’s claim!

“My name is Jen Barnes and I am a nurse of 40 years. I’ve seen a lot of deaths and some of them have been far from ideal. Now I have a terminal illness. It’s an aggressive form of brain cancer and I know that it can lead to a very undignified death.

I don’t want to die. No-one wants to die.

Palliative care is very good but I know that it doesn’t work for everybody. If it comes to it, I will want another option. [Voluntary Assisted Dying]

It’s very important to me to have control of my destiny.”

(Abridged) Source: http://www.stopvictorianssuffering.org.au/petition_jen_barnes

Equally important, the Bishop’s claim about palliative care is not supported by Palliative Care’s own data; Inpatients during the terminal phase of their terminal illness: 4.2% report severe distress from breathing problems, 4.6% severe distress from fatigue, and 2.6% report severe distress from pain.

Experience in Oregon, USA, with assisted dying choice for 20 years, shows repeatedly that paradoxically many patients live longer when given the ‘green light’ for assistance. It is palliative in its own right. It is voluntary – the patient has to rationally and repeatedly ask for this assistance.

The issue is all about choice. Not a choice between life and death, but a choice between two ways of dying. Bishop Ingham is entitled to not request assistance for himself, but should not be entitled to use his position to deny other Australians their right to choose.

Governor Jerry Brown of California sums up the option very succinctly. Gov. Brown is a committed Catholic, who had formerly trained as a Jesuit, and as Governor he actually had the right to veto a California Bill allowing voluntary assisted dying.

Instead, in a very rational and compassionate letter, he concluded –

“In the end, I was left to reflect on what I would want in the face of my own death.  I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain. I am certain, however, that it would be a comfort to be able to consider the options afforded by this bill. And I wouldn’t deny that right to others.”

Readers may note that Gov. Brown received support for signing this Bill from Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, one of the world’s most esteemed religious leaders.

Ian Wood   11.8.2017

Rev. Dr Craig de Vos, B.V.Sc., Dip.P.S., B.Th.(Hons.), Ph.D, highly respected as a theologian in social aspects of the New Testament, is a practising Minister who holds a passion for social justice issues.

Rev. Dr De Vos says, “Our politicians, often guided by dogmatic religious beliefs, continue to deny the majority who want the choice of a death with dignity.”

“Some oppose voluntary euthanasia and voluntary assisted dying choice arguing that it’s wrong because it’s playing God.  Yet so is artificially prolonging life, and so is allowing people to suffer an horrific death when there are more compassionate alternatives.”

Rev. Dr de Vos endorsed the statement by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who has said. “I believe in the sanctity of life. I know that we will all die and that death is a part of life. Terminally ill people have control over their lives, so why should they be refused control over their deaths? Why are so many instead forced to endure terrible pain and suffering against their wishes?”

Rev. Dr de Vos is Patron and member of the Executive of our group, Christians Supporting Choice for Voluntary Euthanasia.

He concluded, “I have the utmost sympathy for Anne Gabrielides, who is facing an horrific death from rapidly progressing Motor Neurone Disease, and support her plea to NSW members of parliament to give people in her situation choice and control at the end stages of their illness. I hope these MPs will demonstrate true compassion and empathy for Anne when considering the NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2017.”

Signed

Rev. Dr Craig de Vos, B.V.Sc., Dip.P.S., B.Th.(Hons.), Ph.D,

PLEASE  message Ian Wood using the “contact” on our website if you are clergy of any faith who would be prepared to endorse this Statement

Endorsed by

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Etc…….

Authorised by Ian Wood

National co-ordinator and spokesperson for Christians Supporting Choice for Voluntary Euthanasia

Villa 1, Hampton Mews, 4 Wills Place, Mittagong NSW  2575  AUSTRALIA

Website: www.Christiansforve.org.au

TO VIEW ANNIE’S VIDEO AND PLEA TO THE NSW MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT.

Anne (Annie) has rapidly progressing Motor Neurone Disease and her interview together with her family is truly heartrending.  Here> https://www.change.org/p/don-t-leave-me-trapped-in-a-dying-body-allow-me-to-die-peacefully

Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand :: Remuera – Newmarket

Physician Assisted Dying

Dear Mr Andrews

Marshall Perron, former Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, wrote to you recently about the diary of the tragic last weeks of John Baylis, who died from Motor Neurone Disease.

As Mr Perron so clearly and succinctly pointed out, the fact that John Baylis could not access the assisted death he so rationally requested, was due to your action in instigating the overturning of the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act.

What Mr Perron did not say, is that you do still have the opportunity to go some way in atoning for what a substantial majority of Christians believe was your regrettable lack of compassion for the terminally ill, as they die with suffering that even the best palliative care cannot relieve.

Eighteen years have now passed since Oregon State, USA enacted their Death With Dignity Act in 1997. Since then three other states enacted similar legislation – Washington State. Vermont and California. Montana and New Mexico also have the right by a court decision In Europe, The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg have had choice since 2002, in addition to Switzerland.

There is now a mass of data available, based on the experience in these countries.
Essentially, we can now state that
– Laws enabling choice both for medically assisted dying and voluntary euthanasia can and do work very satisfactorily.
– Many people given the ‘green light’ for an assisted death actually live longer than those who do not request assistance. It is palliative in its own right.
– The numbers using an assisted death are very few, but the knowledge that it is available gives comfort to many.
– The concerns that the elderly, the ‘alleged’ vulnerable, and those with disabilities might be subject to coercion are unsupported by the evidence.

What we can now state in Australia is that palliative care’s own data, (PCOC) collated from over 90 specialist PC services, shows that in the “terminal phase” one in five patients reported suffering moderate to severe distress from pain, one in five patients reported suffering moderate to severe distress from breathlessness and one in twelve reported distress from bowel problems. It is these patients who need choice in dying.

The last resort in palliative care, when all else fails, is to put the person into a medically induced coma, known as terminal sedation, where they gradually starve or dehydrate to death, a circumstance that family and the nursing and medical staff can find extremely distressing to watch.

Terminal sedation is accepted by the medical profession and the Catholic Church as an appropriate and religiously ethical last resort, as the stated intention is ‘to relieve suffering’. No reporting is involved, and the patient need not even be asked.

Yet if the dying patient requested, “Rather than starve me to death in a coma, with the trauma of having my family watch this slow death, please give me the next few days medication in a single dose”, this would be illegal.

I ask you, as a Christian, why it is morally acceptable that the slow death procedure from starvation should be within the law, but not the other alternative?
Although not widely known, there has been support for assisted dying/voluntary euthanasia from Christian theologians since at least the 1930s.
The Right Rev. Dr W. Inge, former Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, London, when founding the British Voluntary Euthanasia Legalisation Society in 1935, said, “It is not contrary to Christian principles.”

Among the founders of the American Euthanasia Society, in 1945, were prominent Christians such as the New York divines Henry Sloan Coffin, the President of Union Seminary, and Harry Emerson Fosdick, the minister of Baptist Riverside Church.

Rev. Trevor Bensch, a co-founder of Christians Supporting Choice for VE, former hospital chaplain and Minister of North Adelaide Baptist Church, South Australia, says: “My call for legal Voluntary Euthanasia is compassionate and thoroughly consistent with the teachings of Jesus.”

Highly respected Catholic theologian, Prof. Hans Kung, states: “As a Christian and a theologian I am convinced that the all-merciful God, who has given men and women freedom and responsibility for their lives, has also left to dying people the responsibility for making a conscientious decision about the manner and time of their deaths. This is a responsibility which neither the state or the church, neither a theologian or a doctor, can take away”

More recently, Lord Carey former Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the world wide Anglican church, speaking in support of the Falconer Assisted Dying Bill before the House of Lords, UK, said: it would not be “anti-Christian” to ensure that terminally ill patients avoid “unbearable” pain, and “One of the key themes of the gospels is love for our fellow human beings … Today we face a terrible paradox. In strictly observing accepted teaching about the sanctity of life, the church could actually be sanctioning anguish and pain – the very opposite of the Christian message.”

Former Archbishop Desmond Tutu, one of the most revered religious leaders, also speaking in support of the Falconer Bill says: “I have been fortunate to spend my life working for dignity for the living. Now I wish to apply my mind to the issue of dignity for the dying. I revere the sanctity of life – but not at any cost.”

Mr Andrews, the evidence in support of CHOICE for assisted dying is overwhelming.
I sincerely urge that you study this evidence and the attachments here.

Do you have the courage and compassion to change your position, as did Prof. Tallis? (see attachment)

Would you be willing to vote to give the Northern Territory back their right to make their own laws? Even if you would not wish that choice for yourself would you be willing to endorse the right of others to choose, should the proposed Senator di Natale Dying with Dignity Bill come up for debate?

In conclusion, I repeat the fact that on Monday 5 Oct 2015, the California Governor signed an End of Life Bill, giving 38 million Americans the right to choose an assisted death. I note that Governor Brown received support for passing the California Bill from Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Significantly Governor Brown, who actually had the power to Veto this Bill, is a committed Catholic and previously had training as a Jesuit priest. His stated reasons for approving the Bill included –
“In the end, I was left to reflect on what I would want in the face of my own death. I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain. I am certain, however, that it would be a comfort to be able to consider the options afforded by this bill. And I wouldn’t deny that right to others.”

Yours sincerely

Ian Wood
National Co-ordinator
Christians Supporting Choice for Voluntary Euthanasia
Mittagong NSW

Attachments
Prof Tallis, Why I changed my mind on assisted dying
RIP Keith Smith
Catholic Dr Olvera supports Aid in Dying
Quebec Report, some conclusions
Booklet – I want the choice of an assisted death
Anglican Canon Rosie Harper supporting the assisted death of her Uncle in Switzerland
Recommended reading:
Is there a Christian Case for Assisted Dying? Yes. by Prof. Paul Badham
A Good Death, by Dr Rodney Syme
Absolute Truth, by Edward Stourton
Doctor, Please Help Me Die, by Tom Preston MD

Recommended Viewing:
In the End, a DVD, Dr Charlie Corke
Andrew Denton Podcasts and interview:
www.wheelercentre.com/broadcasts/podcasts/better-off-dead

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John Baylis’ Diary

83 year old Darwin man John Baylis died from the ravages of Motor Neuron Disease on 5th March 2015. This is an exact extract of his Facebook diary.
Dec 15, 2014 – Aged Care Assessment Teams ( ACAT ) I have finally been diagnosed by my GP , as having ‘ the monster inside me ‘ being diagnosed as Motor Neurone Disease . We applied for me to be assessed by ACAT , and they required a doctors report . My GP stated that I had MND . Fifteen years ago now , Dr Burrows of RDH made multiple diagnosis of my emerging symptoms . They were MND , small vessel disease , Myclophaphy and possibly Slow Person Syndrome , SPS. I visited a prominent Brisbane MND specialist three times , and an Adelaide specialist once , with no diagnosis . Now , I have to bite a bitter bullet , and accept that my symptoms fit MND , and Dr Burrows was probably correct initially .
The reason I have “ come out of the Closet “ to coin a phrase , is to promote and push , for the right to die with dignity movement , or Voluntary Euthanasia for the terminally ill .
Younger people reading this , barring accidents , will get old and decrepit , like I am today . They will then , desire the right to die with dignity . It will not be there for them then , as it is not there for me now , unless they join the fight , for the right to die with dignity now .
Imagine if you can , a good mind , with good recall and an active imagination , trapped in a body that can’t walk , can’t talk , both arms and hands affected , lips , and throat not under control . Difficulty eating and drinking . Just take a moment please , and really put yourself in my position . It is an awful place to be , believe me . Many places in the Western world are enlightend , and provide exits when they’re needed .
What then , do I have to look forward to ? palliative care ? that scares the shit out of me . Can’t eat ? so they’ll feed you through a tube , can’t drink , another tube . They will save your body without dignity , but what about the healthy mind that is trapped inside , until it escapes the efforts to keep the body alive , by dying .
We all recognise that a suffering pet , should be put out of it’s misery . What about us , we should be allowed to exit painlessly , when it is no longer worth staying alive .
Voluntary Euthanasia for the terminally ill should be everyones right . Damn Kevin Andrews to hell .
Voluntary Euthanasia for the terminally ill should be everyones right. Damn Kevin Andrews to hell
Dec 18 – This comment goes back to April 2010 , when I was diagnosed with lung cancer . I was a heavy smoker , only stopping after cyclone Tracy . I was put on a 6 week course of chemo and radiation . The chemo was Cisplatin , and Vinorelbine . I posted somewhere , that I was originally diagnosed with MND , by Dr Burrows of RDH . He’s still there . MND usually kills within five years , but some cases are recorded as twenty years . Mine kicked in with early symptoms approximately fifteen years ago . See comment below . In April 2010 , I could still walk , talk , shower and do nearly everything . If I fell , i had big trouble getting up again . In retrospect , the monster lived in my right arm , I always had pins and needles sometimes so strong it would hurt . Presently , that is happening now , to my left arm . ” I’ve said all that , to say all this ” .
Incredibly , after two weeks of my chemo , my MND symptoms simply went away . For the first time in years , I trotted up stairs without holding on . Rolled on the floor with my grand daughter , and got to my feet effortlessly , The reversal of my symptoms lasted just over a week , and then slowly , my symptoms returned . None of the doctors I’ve told this seemed interested , but I thought if I posted it , maybe one day , it might lead to research , combatting MND >
Dec 20 – I am John Baylis MND sufferer . Have a look at my profile , and imagine the monster inside me , is inside you .
What can I say , that we have’nt all said before , only this , ” spend some time , with a monster inside ” Lyle Shelton . How can they alone , know God’s will , or even if there is a god .
Spend some time with a monster inside Lyle Shelton. How can they alone know God’s will, or even if there is a god.
Dec 21 – OMG , Kevin Andrews has been promoted to a ministry . VE prepare to defend yourself .
Dec 22 – Yes , I definitely look like shit
Dec 24 – To ALL of the wonderful people , that have given me support in my hour of need . Thank you all so much . Johnny Baylis
Dec 25 – Well , Xmas is nearly over and I got to see family and friends once more . That was a good thing .
Dec 26 – John Baylis I did exactly like Krissi Besic and others have said , I waited too long , letting others fight for this Voluntary Euthanasia to be made law . Discriminatory politicians , make their policies on VE , following the religious lobby , all the time knowing , that if needed , they are wealthy enough , to fly to an enlightened country and use the ” Dying with Dignity ” program over there . As Philip Nitschke pointedly defended himself , saying , ” why should only the wealthy have this option ” Kevin Andrews is only one of the litter that shelved the NT’s Right to die legislation .
Discriminatory politicians make their policies on VE, following the religious lobby, all the time knowing that if needed, they are wealthy enough to fly to an enlightened country and use the ” Dying with Dignity ” program over there.
Dec 28 – I tried to go easy on the monsters progress over xmas , It’s an unpleasant subject for the festive season , but it has beaten me , if I stop facebooking , please understand that I really appreciated all of the support I have been given by facebook friends . If I don’t “like” or answer comments , it’s because I don’t feel up to it , and not because I don’t care . Make bloody sure , YOU NEVER EVER get in my position .
Now is the time for you to get behind a Voluntary Euthanasia program. We have the numbers, all we need is the will.
How is it we never see an Ad on TV regarding VE ? Has anyone tried ? Is it being blocked ? 80% for VE is way too many , to be blocked by a few religious extremists in government . Because of the monster , I will not not be able to carry on much longer , but remember please . You will all get old and decrepit like me one day , The best time to fight for what you want , is now .
Dec 28 – This is a real bad day for me , possibly the worst yet . I have deteriorated more overnight , my poor family are doing it hard . I so wish for a peaceful exit . VE if established now , would have eased my suffering . Make sure it’s there when you , or your loved ones might need it .
Dec 29 – It has to come , but sadly , I think too late for me.
Jan 1 – I’m hitting the bottom of the barrel today , Got to hang up guys ,thank you all , and may Kevin Andrews and all religious extremists rot in my hell
May Kevin Andrews and all religious extremists rot in my hell.
Jan 1 – I see on TV today , where a valuable baby Rhino was euthanised at Werribee , Melbourne . They said it had an infection . The infection may have caused pain and suffering , it may also have caused death aka a terminal illness . That is such a nice civilised thing to do , and the people making the decision should be commended . BUT What about me , and the many others ?? Are the people making the decision AKA Kevin Andrews religious extremists to be commended or cursed .
Jan 2 – bad day yesterday OK . Fell twice , more skin off but nothing fatal , frown emoticon worse luck .
Jan 3 – the mmonnster gojftm y han xd noaw mivght losze my fb friennndddddddddddddddzs so sorrrrrrrrrry i cant go peacesfulmllyg
Jan 4 – still tell me any neeews and dont always exppectt answwwers xxx i can manage srtill but editting is too harrrd . i want all thhhe polliies VE checkkked for their vote, and their answers on facebookkk . Please
Jan 4 – The m on szter is too smmmart it hhas taken my in dex finnger ojuuft now . mmmy typing fi nnger
Jan 4 – John Baylis
2 January at 14:32 • Edited
I want to explain to Kevin Andrews and other politicians . what MND really means , I don’t think think he has a clue , which makes him dangerously stupid when he disabled the NT’s Right To Die . Now he’s Minister for Defence . Let me explain a tiny part of my suffering to you Kevin Andrews .
I wake early morning , still dark , to go toilet . I wake my wife by making non understandable noises , she has to lift me into a sitting position on the side of the bed , she hands me the pee bottle and helps me use it . Stools are more undignified Kevin & co , She waits , however long it takes , and then wipes me . Do you think your wife , Mrs Andrews , could handle that OK Kevin?
I slept OK , thanks doctor for the sleeping pills . She helps ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
This bit is corrrected big time .. Thhhe part comment above I wrotte bbeforrrrrrrrrrrrrrre the monster got my hand . It will never be finished now . I wont wwaste it though , I’ll post it ,, I’mmmmm reeally ouut of the closet now i reckon
Jan 5 – How can they do this to us ?? IIt’s inhumane and so blloody cruuel . I’m suffering so badly ,,, I dreeammm of relleeeease .
How can they do this to us?? It’s inhumane and so bloody cruel. I’m suffering so badly, I dream of release.
Jan 5 – Carlene-Baylis Webb
I’m signing because my father is suffering. He is in his final stages of Motor Neurone Disease. It has slowly taken everything from him, his dignity, his mobility and now he is unable to communicate with his loved ones. He can hardly eat & drink, palliative is NOT an option he wants to die peacefully at home with his wife and children supporting him in his plight. He wants to end this suffering he is being made to endure and advocates the right to die with dignity. We love you dad XO
It has slowly taken everything from him, his dignity, his mobility and now he is unable to communicate with his loved ones. He can hardly eat & drink, palliative [care] is NOT an option. He wants to die peacefully at home with his wife and children supporting him in his plight.
Jan 6 – whatss onn my mind , is a pllacce to rrrreeeeeeest in peacce , oothers hhavve been throuuugh thhis , annd it is horrible . Why am i going throuuugh this ??? Just bbecausse somewealthy self importtannt relligiouus extremists in governmmxennt arre stopping me from ending mmy life peacexfullly at home wziithh ffamilly and friennnndds . kevin andrreews will be ever rrremexmmmberrrrexd for the sufferihg of ppooor bastarrds lliike mmex .
Jan 6 – I am starring in my own horror fiklm , brrreakfast this morning was two weetbix wiith jjust enouugh mmmilk to mmakex themm moist . like this they stiick to mmmmmmmmmmy special crooked bennt spoon designed to assit loss of wrist rotatin ,, which i hhave . my wife covers mme with towels to protect mmy shirt annd shorts which she dressed me innn bjefoore . no good ,,, ,i look like a battlefielld , so she cllea ns me up and p huuuttttts cleeeeean clotheessss on mme . well that wwas b rrreekkkfaast . how do ybu copke with that Kexvin Andrreeewss ?? pls xcuse. Oh i forgot a bit ,mmmmy rght armmmm is unable to mmove above mmy waissst , but mmmy righhht hhannnd a bit useable .. mmy lxxxxxxeft arm i ccccccccan use a little but my ha nd is bad finger and thummb dont opppose and no ffeellling in fingers . how i eeat , gget foodon sppoon wzithh righhht hhhnd and lilftc hand and spoon wivtth back of mmy lxxxxxxeft hand too bloody scccåry .
Jan 6 – WHY DO WE LET THEM DO THIS TO US . THEY ARE TORTURING ZSO MANNY PEOPLE . EVEERYONE THIN KS ITCCANT HAPP´N TO THEM BUT IT CAN . DON’T THHE GOVEERNMMENTTS KKNOZW HOOW WE HUURT ? I WANT OUT BUT THHEY ARE GOING TO MMMAKE MME SUFFFFER MORRRRRRRE . PLEASE MAKE THEMM LISTEN . I HURT INSIDE SO BADLY
Jan 6 – i’d llike to ssssssay i miss all you guuys i shared so mmuch with , but now things ha ve chang ed . so sorry you all knoow who you arre .
Jan 7 – John Baylis Stephen Bennett MP spend some time wzith my monster you healthy dont carre MP , and see wghat cchanges the b alancce even morrrrrre than 8o5% . If you dont want it m,,, dont use it .. but xdont forcce others to suffffffffferh orrib ly likkke i am atm If you agree to VE it means you ccare to hhelp terrible suffering you cant evven imagine , if DONT agrrree with V E , you a cruel bastard that does nt are about rrreal people , only rrelivgvious lobby grooups and party policiies . what will iit be stephen bbennett ? are you A cruuel bastad mp or o r do you havvve gutts to stanxd upand b e counted as a caffring human being ,
If you don’t want it, don’t use it .. but don’t force others to suffer horribly like I am at the moment. If you agree to VE, it means you care to help terrible suffering you can’t even imagine. If you DON’T agree with VE, you are a cruel bastard that does not care about real people, only religious lobby groups.
Jan 8 – I am not funnctioning pprloperly ,,,,,, what iindgnity now ..hhas thhe monster done Dammnnnnn you to hhhhell kkevin andrreewws
Dammnnnnn you to hhhhell Kkevin Andrreewws.
Jan 8 – feeling weirrd slouchingb in chair cccannnt thhiinnnk properly i’ll give fbbbbbb a rrreeest
Jan 8 – not good , whhy why do thhey do this to us why arrrex they doing it to mmme , thhrrrey arrrrrex so cruuexl ,,,,, ,,,,, I’mmmmmm prrrrrretty helpllessssssssss noow , dotheyb undderstnd what thexy are puutting us thhrouggh , it is absolutttely hhell .. i cant e ven thankk mmmy wiffffe , or tttxell hhe how much i love hmer . damn themmm , we crying ouuut for ccompassion , i’m cyiiingfor compassion ,,,,, but tvhexy dont listtxen they , kevin an drewss , are torturing us ,,,, torturing mme bbexyond what i cannnnn stand.dont let itv happexn to you ,,, iit not only withouut dignity , it is hypppocritial , callous , murderous cruuuuuuuuxellty . if therreex is a god and its kevin an drreeewzs god its a sadstic god . damn him dddammmnnnnnn him ddammnnnn himmm
Jan 8 – They force people to kill thxemsel vvvxes vlolxentlly, bby not letting thxxemmmmm dilxe zwiith dignilty .. is all about powzer . it coulld happxen to annny one of yomu latver on .. mmakkkxe surrrrrrrrrrrxe iivt doxesnt . it is hxelll bxxeyond bxellinef .
Jan 8 – switch off a wzhile fffeel rattshit
Jan 10 – the mmonsttter goot both hhha ndds nnow , allll fkkkkkiingers afffecctted i think iiitxsss trying to stop mecommuniicatng ,, immm msurrrrrrre ittts evil and intellliiiigent … what you reckon kkev in a nndreews ? cooould you hhhhhhan dlle this ,,,,,,, yoou cruuuell bastaedddddd ? oor would you pprrrrrrefffer to die wiiith dignkkkity
Jan 12 – monster so bad noow and can7t ans4wer all questions any mmorrre , two dayys no fb .clint annd Donald so good too us , Cllint cut doownnnn ttwoo biiiig ppalms neext to honuse ,,,,,, llllllllloove themmmmm booys . 60 n-oifications , ccant annswer ,,onlly llooooooookkkkk annd pick ,, sooorry .
Jan 12 – I havve lost my dignity over and over ,,, tthxe monstxer has almost finishxxxxxxxxxed mmme . It iiiis so cruuexl ,,,,,, una ble to ttalk wallk annd commnicate iiis impoossiblllllllle to,magin5e .
Jan 13 – i thik this my “la s t Post” thamk you all wondnerfull suppo rtner s of mys elf and V E , wheen i pass i’d like our kid s and grandkids to jhave dign/ity in death.
Jan 13 – ths is my l ast thank you t o all fb frˆn ds and support ers of mysef and VE , wh en i go , hope soon , hope too thha t V E i s t˙nere fomr our k/id s
Jan 13 – dpaugh ter k e ll y rea rr ang ed pc for m e . I c an t do much . but b epfore I’m finished propely i 4wannt to thank you a3lllll once again for increnblle support for myslf and VE . when i go keep fight for VE johnnyn bay…..ylis
Jan 16 – stil here ,, but only just i found new way to type veryhard for me to do better than nothnng cant read much or like but i try thannnk uou all John Baylis
Jan 18 – this is clear type for me , we made a short wand with large handle i can hold fairly well , and a rubber tip to select the right keys without trailing my hand over the keyboard , but it is extremely hard for me to hold it in my right hand and move my right hand / wand , with my left hand . i need many rests in this comment , but i wanted to highlight the suffering that we/I have to endure . imagine if you can , eating and drinking like that . since my last post , the monster inside has just about taken over now . both arms only raise to chest high , both wrists will not rotate . i have the weirdly bent fork and spoon to get anywhere near my mouth , then talk about a pig in shit , thats me . i have absolutey no dignity left , my poor wife does everything for , and i cannot thank or give her a hug . what a hypocritical bastard is our latest minister for defense . he has caused me unbearable suffering and i’ll die cursing him . once again , thank you all
I have absolutely no dignity left, my poor wife does everything for me, and I cannot thank or give her a hug. What a hypocritical bastard is our latest Minister for Defense. He has caused me unbearable suffering and I’ll die cursing him.
Feb 23 – Message from JB added here by his kids:
Facebook friends, I have reached the end of my journey. Talk to my kids Carlene, Clint and Kelly if you would like to find out any updates. Please, don’t forget my fight for VE!
JB x
March 8 – Finally, in words dad would have used…… DAMN YOU TO HELL Kevin Andrews.
END
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Click to read former chief minister Marshall Perron scathing letter to Kevin Andrews in response to John Baylis’story

 Read the followup letter to Kevin Andrews, MP,  by Ian Wood, in a separate Post

Dear Mr Baird

Thank you for publicly admitting on ABC Q&A, 6.9.2015, that you had very strong views on [against] legalising CHOICE in assisted dying, but after talking with a man in a terrible position, his pleas will ‘haunt’ you.

John Grayson, the 34 year old with terminal brain cancer, vividly described his prognosis – “I am going to end up with right hand side paralysis, blindness, being mute. I will end up in severe, chronic pain. I will have cognitive impaired ability and I will eventually die. What I want to know is why I’m forced to go through that torture.” (Ref 1)

GEOFFREY ROBERTSON: Look, we have a fundamental right not to be subjected to torture and if that torture is cancer, if it’s a terminal illness, we are entitled to take ourselves out of it. It is an awesome decision to make, but [it’s] we are entitled to make it without the intervention of the state, without having those who assist us, often our loved family with whom we have a final meal or whatever, arrested and charged with assisting suicide. Surely that’s right.

MIKE BAIRD: “my concern would be, you know, making a judgment on life”. Fact: You are not making a judgment on life. When an illness is terminal, the patient would be making a judgement on choosing to endure the torture, or die a quick, pain-free death It is not a choice between life and death, but a choice between two different ways of dying.

I believe nearly all people who are actively campaigning for choice in assisted dying are also ‘haunted’ by the death of a loved one. The difference is that they are trying to get the law changed – and as Helen Joyce stated – it is a human right, and the reason why the law has not been changed is “political cowardice”.

MIKE BAIRD: Well, as much as I would want to agree, I mean, the concern I have is what does it mean in terms of the definition of life? Where do you get to in terms of advancements in medical technology all of a sudden? FACT: No advancement in medical technology will save John Grayson! Please be realistic – no advancements in medical technology would have saved Keith Smith, or the daughter of Robert Olvera. (See attachments)

Mr Baird, I challenge you to find any other social issue of such importance that attracts the support of 70 to 80% of all Australians, including a majority of Christians. In fact, in what would at first appear to be an anomaly, support for assisted dying is higher amongst Anglicans in Australia and the UK than in the general population! (Ref 2)

Lord Carey former Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the world wide Anglican church, speaking in support of the Falconer Assisted Dying Bill before the House of Lords, UK, said: it would not be “anti-Christian” to ensure that terminally ill patients avoid “unbearable” pain, and “One of the key themes of the gospels is love for our fellow human beings … Today we face a terrible paradox. In strictly observing accepted teaching about the sanctity of life, the church could actually be sanctioning anguish and pain – the very opposite of the Christian message.” (Ref 3)

One of the most respected religious leaders, Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, speaking in support of the same assisted dying Falconer Bill said: “I have been fortunate to spend my life working for dignity for the living. Now I wish to apply my mind to the issue of dignity for the dying. I revere the sanctity of life – but not at any cost.”. (Ref 4)

I plead with you as Premier to have the political fortitude and the Christian compassion akin to that of Desmond Tutu to initiate a change in the law. Please do not simply pass the buck to your Health Minister! If Quebec province, Canada, can do it, surely so can NSW! Could I please meet with you to discuss the issue face to face?

Yours sincerely

Ian Wood

Attachments
– RIP Keith Smith
– Robert Olvera – a US Catholic doctor pleading for a change in the law that would have enabled his dying daughter to have had a painfree death
– A summary of the conclusions of the Quebec Government Parliamentary Inquiry into medical assistance in dying and end of life care
– Prof Tallis – Why changed my position and I now support assisted dying
– Chantal Sebire – the face that ‘haunts’ me and inspired me to campaign for choice in dying.
– Lack of safeguards is a question usually raised by those opposing – I have attached a list of safeguards that can be included in legislation.

Ref 1 Interestingly, in the U.S. Government “Bybee Memo” relating to torture prohibited from a military aspect, torture is defined as:
Intense pain or suffering of the kind that is equivalent to the pain that would be associated with serious physical injury so severe that death, organ failure, or permanent damage resulting in a loss of significant body function will likely result. You will notice how close the physical symptoms described here are to the prognosis of John Grayson and his brain tumour!
https://www.wcl.american.edu/hrbrief/14/2devos.pdf
Memorandum from U.S. Dept. of Justice, Counsel to the President, Office of the Assistant Attorney General, to Alberto R. Gonzales, Counsel to the President, Re: Standards of Conduct for Interrogation Under 18 U.S.C. §§ 2340-2340A at 13 (Aug. 1, 2002) [“Bybee Memorandum”], available at http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB127/02.08.01.pdf.
Ref 2 YourLastRight.com: Australian public desire for legal assisted dying — 2012 research http://dwdnsw.org.au/public-opinion/ and http://www.religionandsociety.org.uk/events/programme_events/show/press_release_westminster_faith_debate_6_should_we_legislate_to_permit_assisted_dying
Ref 3 http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jul/12/archbishop-canterbury-carey-support-assisted-dying-proposal

Ref 4 http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28282323