Speak up on euthanasia
More discussion and community-wide research on dementia is needed to ensure complex issues – such as the ‘end-of-life’ debate – are covered thoroughly.
All is detailed in a discussion paper which was released today by Alzheimer’s Australia, which looks at the issue of euthanasia and explores the arguments ‘for’ and ‘against’.
The purpose of the paper, Planning for the End of Life for People with Dementia Part Two, is to provide clear information about the debate and an overview of the complex issues dementia raises in respect to euthanasia.
Alzheimer’s Australia maintains it “does not have a position on euthanasia”, instead taking the view that the debate on euthanasia is “clouded in confusion”.
Alzheimer’s Australia president, Ita Buttrose, says the intention of the paper was “not to tell people what view they should take”, but rather to understand and discuss the issues presented in the paper as one would in any debate”.
The paper was commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Australia National Consumer Advisory Committee and prepared by Professor Colleen Cartwright at Southern Cross University.
Professor Cartwright says ‘end-of life’ issues are complex, personal and sensitive.
“[It is] made all the more difficult if the wishes of the person concerned are not properly understood or set out, especially in cases where the person has dementia,” she says.
Alzheimer’s Australia chief executive officer, Glenn Rees, said the focus of the discussion paper was to ensure individuals are both aware of the options that are currently legally available to them, and to encourage them to start planning early in the disease process.
A workshop will be held on the issues presented in the paper at the Alzheimer’s Australia 14th Conference at the Brisbane Convention Centre on Wednesday, 18 May 2011 at 3.30pm to 5pm.
To read the discussion paper online, visit www.alzheimers.org.au.
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