Controversial euthanasia Doctor speaks in Glasgow

Dr Philip Nitschke is renowned for assisting four suicides in his native Australia.

A controversial physician nicknamed 'Doctor Death' has been airing his views and advice on euthanasia at a meeting in Glasgow. Dr Philip Nitschke is renowned for assisting four suicides in his native Australia and was almost banned from entering the UK earlier this week due to his radical views. He believes all Scots aged over 50 should have access to lethal drugs in case they want to end their lives. An stv poll carried out earlier this year revealed that three quarters of Scots believe in the right to choose when they die. But even many of euthanasia’s most fervent supporters have stepped up to dismiss the views of Dr Nitschke. On Saturday, he spent the day in a Glasgow church telling an audience that everyone over 50 should have access to lethal drugs to keep at home. Have you voted for or against Euthanasia ? It’s a stance that’s seen him called a humanitarian by some and “Doctor Death” by many others. Dr Nitschke said: "People, by in large, cling to life desperately. When a person does get to the point when they see death as the preferred option, I don't think we should be erecting artificial barriers to effectively chain them to the planet and force them to go on. "The humane thing to do in most cases – we are talking about rational people, not psychiatrically unwell people, we are talking about people that are capable of informed decision making – and when they have decided it is the time to go we should respect them as adults." While Dr Nitschke believes most older people have the emotional and psychological capacity to determine their own fates, other pro-choice groups have sought to distance themselves from his philosophy. Libby Wilson, of Friends at the End, said: "I don't think that is the way forward, not in the present climate. Has changed the argument your opinion on Euthanasia ? I think in actual fact opening the gates so wide is counter productive. I think people react to the idea that anybody over the age of 51, feeling a bit down in the dumps, could just take a home-made pill and die is something that most people feel quite revolted by." Saturday’s open meeting was followed by a closed session . n which people with particular dilemmas could seek advice from Dr Nitschke.

09 May 2009, 18:09

source: news.stv.tv

2009-05-12