GIDDINGS/McKIM Mis-Information paper – Tasmanian Academics reveal fatal flaws in research

Today two Tasmanian Academics, Ms Hannah Graham, Associate Lecturer in Sociology and Criminology and Dr Jeremy Prichard, Senior lecturer in criminal law released a comprehensive academic response to the information paper relied on by Premier Giddings and Minister McKim in their attempt to legalise assisted suicide and euthanasia.

“What it proves is that Premier Giddings’ oft-quoted claim that the International evidence shows such legislation poses no threat to the vulnerable, is simply untrue. There is a large pool of research and literature that clearly shows significant risks to the aged, infants and children, disabled people, people who are economically disadvantaged, and people with mental illnesses.” said Dr Paul Dunne of REALdignitytas.

“The respectfully toned academic paper confirms that Premier Giddings has not told the full story. I am hopeful this is not a deliberate attempt by Premier Giddings and Minister McKim to conceal literature and evidence that is contrary to their proposal”. Stated Dr Dunne.

“The paper also demonstrates that significant ‘bracket creep’ has occurred in those small number of jurisdictions where assisted suicide and euthanasia are legal. This means that over time the categories of people eligible to be legally killed has expanded to include a wide range of people who are not terminally ill.

“The Tasmanian Assisted Dying Bill is currently drafted to include people who are not dying or even terminally ill” said Dr Dunne “Based on International experience we can expect to see such laws expand over time to include people who are not physically ill but who suffer mental and emotional suffering.”

“The research paper confirms the findings of previous inquiries and what many in the community already know. This is simply bad legislation.

What we need is more investment in end of life care, not a law to allow doctors to deliberately kill or assist to kill their patients. This is the ethical, compassionate and appropriate response to suffering.

Previous Tasmanian Inquiries in 1998 and 2009 have not recommended proceeding with such legislation, but have recommended more investment in, and education in end of life care.

Numerous International Parliamentary Inquiries have rejected such proposals as posing a very real danger to the most vulnerable in our community.

Tasmanian politicians have no right to risk the lives of the elderly, sick and vulnerable.”

The paper is available at:
http://www.academia.edu/4703300/Voluntary_Euthanasia_and_Assisted_Dying_in_Tasmania_A_Response_to_Giddings_and_McKim_-_by_Hannah_Graham_and_Jeremy_Prichard
Dr Paul Dunne AM Spokesperson REALdignitytas