Euthanasia book by Australian doctor banned
The Federal Government has banned a book by euthanasia advocate Dr Phillip Nitschke that gives advice about assisted suicide.
In December last year, the Classification Review Board (CRB) allowed The Peaceful Pill Handbook by Dr Nitschke and Dr Fiona Stewart to have a restricted release.
The book explores suicide options including the manufacture and use of various drugs.
Following a complaint by Federal Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, and the New South Wales Right to Life Association, the CRB has voted unanimously to ban the book on the grounds that it tells people how to manufacture barbiturates.
A majority of the board also thought the book was in breach of offences under the Coroners’ legislation in all states and territories. Copies of the book cannot be displayed or imported into Australia.
