It took a while, but Exit International supremo, Philip Nitschke has responded today to the issues raised last week in respect to his latest move to supply nitrogen kits for suicides. Contrary to his assertions, my interest is not a political consideration at all. I'm concerned solely about the public safety aspect.Nor am I motivated to somehow dispose of a euthanasia activist. Nitschke's activism actually supports our cause in strange ways in that his advocacy for such things as death clinics and mobile death vans actually shows where euthanasia & assisted suicide type legislation ultimately could go.
It also strikes me as strange that there is some subtle suggestion of collusion with the Medical Board. This is simply false. My contact with them was to make a submission. They have been entirely professional at all times and have given me no information at all about their views or intentions.
This article from ABC online news:
Euthanasia campaigner faces another challenge
By Phoebe Stewart
Updated Fri Sep 7, 2012 11:43am AEST
Voluntary euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke says an investigation into his suitability to practise medicine is one of the most serious challenges he has faced in his career.
An inquiry into Dr Nitscke's application to import the euthanasia drug nembutal was launched by the Australian Medical Board last year.
He is now facing a second investigation, into his role in promoting and importing nitrogen cylinders that can be used for euthanasia, and his suitability to practise medicine.
Dr Nitschke claims it was sparked by a complaint from anti-euthanasia Christian groups.
"There are some really serious questions about whether or not the medical board reacts to, or responds to, complaints that are clearly politically driven," he said.
He says he will vigorously defend himself against the allegations.
"(It is) surprising that the medical board, supposedly neutral, has really reacted so quickly to what I see as something which is clearly driven by someone who doesn't appreciate the idea, or understand the concept, of voluntary euthanasia," he said.
The medical board says its investigations are fair, impartial and based on available evidence.
The Northern Territory legalised euthanasia in the jurisdiction in 1995.
The Federal Government intervened and overrode the Territory legislation in 1997.
Dr Nitschke assisted four people in ending their lives before the Territory law was overturned.
Organisations including Exit International, which was founded by Dr Nitschke, have been campaigning since to bring euthanasia rights back to Australia.
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