- AMA PRESIDENT'S RESPONSE 05/05/08 (from a contributor) -

Dear Sir

Thank you very much for your email of 21 April 2008 to the Australian Medical Association (AMA) regarding your views on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. I appreciate that you have forwarded us a copy of your submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee's Inquiry into the Rights of the Terminally Ill (Euthanasia Laws Repeal) Bill 2008.

Whilst I certainly understand your point of view, the AMA's position of opposing doctors' involvement in euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide is a result of a year long consultation process of AMA members and other organisations.

Indeed, within our own membership, the full range of views on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide was represented; however, the majority of our membership wanted to continue a position of opposing doctors' involvement in these actions. While this position may not reflect everyone's opinion, we must respect the majority of our membership.

Although you may not agree with our position on euthanasia and physician assisted suicide, the intent of our overall policy is to ensure equity of access across Australia to good quality, relevant services for patients requiring end of life care and their family members. We certainly recognise that, currently, there are situations where a particular patient's pain and suffering cannot be alleviated to their satisfaction. We strongly advocate more research into palliative care so that the needs of all patients for adequate alleviation of pain and suffering are appropriately met.

Sincerely

Dr Rosanna Capolingua
AMA President

May 5, 2008

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