- WILL OUR MP'S FACE THE FACTS 02/07/06 -

My letter............tackling the legal issue (received by email from a contributor.)
Will our MP's face the Facts?

In support of "Your views on dying with dignity" (1 July) by Neil Francis.

Fact being that there is no Legislation before the Victorian Parliament re:
Advance Directives entitled "Respecting Patient Choices" forms being given to some patients by health care workers. This pilot study by Austin Health being used at the moment is one step in the direction 73% of Australians and 76% of Victorians who support dying with dignity want to see. But until there is Statuary Legislation, and amendments made to the Medical Treatment Act 1988, as was proposed at the May Conference of The Victorian Labor Party in May. They are as dubious (even though they are filed in a "Green Sleeve"), as any other advance directive previously submitted, especially a person over 65 years of age.

It is welcome news that our MP's maybe looking out of our state, towards Qld, SA, and WA who are also being forced to listen to the voters in their electorates as they either have or are introducing their bills.

These voters are very informed about the possible outcomes of their health conditions. The prospect of maybe spending many years in a nursing home, in not their idea of dignity for themselves or their families.

This is not a criticism of care in these places, but a CHOICE being made while they are still able to. Most are exceedingly grateful for the medical skills that have enabled them to live reasonably active lives in spite of on going health conditions. I am more mentally capable than my body, now in slow painful decline, affecting my mobility. I am house bound, but not considered terminal.

My lobbying for voluntary euthanasia began in 1983 after watching my father die an agonising death from cancer, and then caring for my mother for 13 years after she suffered a stroke.

Face the fact that Legislation and serious debate is needed to make the fuzzy feel good talk clearer and to reflect the wishes of the people not on religious or party lines. Informed people have already made a choice on those issues.
(Name & addressed supplied:)