Hazel Hawke Research Grants
RMIT University researchers have received a Hazel Hawke Research Grant in Dementia to study how Alzhiemer’s disease impacts on the euthanasia debate.
Professor Megan-Jane Johnstone and Adjunct Professor Olga Kanitsaki, from the University’s Division of Nursing and Midwifery, have received $20,000 to investigate how Alzheimer’s and people suffering from it are portrayed in the media, literature and documents and the impact on people’s perceptions of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.
Professor Johnstone said that over the past decade euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide had developed as a public and moral policy issue.
“Generally, although the debate has not been applicable to people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, there are signs this is beginning to change,” she said.
“It is hoped the study will identify ways in which discussion on these issues can be progressed to not disadvantage the welfare interests and care of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
The study’s findings would help to identify how literature, law and media, on both sides of the debate, was used to advance viewpoints and to influence policy and practice, said Professor Johnstone.
“Its findings will also be used to assist in evaluating national and international statements on health and human rights, and the extent to which these are helpful in promoting the moral and welfare interests of sufferers in arenas which are favouring the legislation of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.”
