- AMA PRESIDENT'S RESPONSE 13/05/08 (from a contributor) -

Dear Dr Capolingua

With reference to my letter dated 21 April 2008 I wish to thank you for the courtesy and trouble that you have taken in replying and I wish to advise as set out below.

In due respect, having read your reply with questionable contemplation, my observation indicate an AMA prescriptive stance of opposition to Physician-assisted Dying – (PAD) that disrespects a persons right to control their lives via autonomous personal choice.

PAD is not a health policy it is a human rights issue. Faced with disconnected politicians, PAD should be beyond political debate and be decided by the patient, family and doctor via a possible fiduciary legal solution as per the May 1993 Michigan US Court decision.

As realized, it is freedom to choose in all facets of life that makes us human and life worth living and dying with dignity as opposed to willful systemic medical deprivation.

Instead of AMA control being irrevocably bound to past thinking, a reality check of the tried and tested enlightening Oregon (US) social experience, as highlighted within my Senate Committee Hearing submission conveys in reality what actually works.

In encouraging open-mindedness, there now exists a body of evidence emanating from a decade of social research via the legislated Oregon “Death with Dignity Act – 1997” that contrary to the AMA adopted position thereby supports that stated above.

As a senior Australian, I see no example of decline in personal responsibility and for good reason it would be a welcomed liberal step to adopt the principal of empathetic socialization to meet the surveyed majority supported, human need of a free society.

In what should be an inalienable civil right for all citizens, thus motivates me to represent the above in order to engender and stimulate debate for a PAD rethink and the adoption of a more enlightened, humane and merciful opposing position.

In consideration of the above and for the awareness of your members, would you please extend favorable consideration to publishing both of my letters along with the thought provoking Oregon “Death with Dignity Act “,2007 tenth anniversary report in the AMA Medical journal.

It is in anticipation that I await a reply at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely --- RB

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