Adelaide, South Australia On May 22nd & 23rd 2015, people opposing euthanasia & assisted suicide will assemble from across the globe in Adelaide, South Australia for the Fourth International Symposium on Euthanasia.The first event of its type in the southern hemisphere organiser, Paul Russell, says he is looking forward to hosting 'the best event yet!' "We're assembling speakers from Europe and North America along with the very best Australia has to offer" says Russell.Adelaide has been for some years the 'canary-in-the-coal-mine' for euthanasia bills; in recent years as many as three euthanasia bills were being debated at the same time. Australia was also the first place on earth to pass euthanasia law in the mid-1990s and remains the only place to have ever overturned such a law; a point that Russell stresses, should make us all think very hard about creating such laws.The event entitled 'Standing Strong, together' is designed to showcase the very best in campaigning advice, look to the very latest reports and testimony from around the globe and to help build capacity and networks in support of local action."One of the major focal points for the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition International over the last three years since its inception is to develop a worldwide fraternity of academics, medicos and activists who work together to build a bulwark against euthanasia and assisted suicide legislation in their locale, supported by colleagues in other places" said International Chair, Alex Schadenberg. "We need to sell the message that anyone who opposes euthanasia, regardless of whatever else they may support and regardless of what they believe or don't believe, is welcome."This idea of 'creative partnerships' is critical to the continuing opposition to both euthanasia & assisted suicide says International Vice Chair and symposium host, Paul Russell. "If you take a look at recent campaigns in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, and while every campaign is different, there's a common thread to success in the co-operation as equals of many groups such as pro-life groups, disability groups, medical associations amongst others. It makes sense to work together."The Adelaide HOPE symposium is a partnership between HOPE, Euthanasia Free New Zealand, disability advocates, Lives Worth Living, Doctors Opposed to Euthanasia and the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition International.Speakers and delegates will assemble from the USA, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, Belgium and The Netherlands as well as from across Australia. Anyone who opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide is welcome.You can read more and book for the event at www.conf.noeuthanasia.org.au or contact Paul Russell at [email protected] Some of our confirmed speakers:Professor Theo Boer (NL). Professor Boer made international headlines earlier this year when he announced that, after supporting the Dutch euthanasia laws and being a nine-year member of a regional euthanasia evaluation committee, that he had completely changed his mind. Continue reading

By Hugh Scher, Legal Counsel - Euthanasia Prevention Coalition Article first appeared on Alex Schadenberg's BlogQuébec's landmark law allowing euthanasia contravenes Canadian criminal homicide laws and represents a dangerous step towards a patchwork quilt of provincial regulation of serious criminal conduct, which is why the issue must be handled federally, says Toronto health, human rights and constitutional lawyer Hugh Scher. Continue reading

Media Release from The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition Canada on the eve of the court case challenging the validity of the Quebec Parliament's euthanasia law. On October 15, the Supreme Court is hearing a case concerning Canada's laws related to euthanasia and assisted suicide. Many Canadians are concerned about whether the laws designed to protect their lives will be upheld by the Supreme Court.The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition has intervened in this case at every level. Continue reading

The   in Vancouver (June 3 - 4) was a tremendous success.  The goals that were set-out before the Symposium were surpassed.  The DVD's of the Symposium will be available in early July for $50 for the complete set.  The Third International Symposium was organized by the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC).I had promised to write up the symposium for our readers, but Alex beat me to itâ�¦ Continue reading