Euthanasia and physician assisted suicide is a recurring topic of public discourse.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has released their position statement which highlights:

1. prioritisation of good quality end of life care
2. ensuring that co-morbid conditions that may impact on a patient’s desire for euthanasia have been adequately and optimally managed (e.g. mental health conditions, cognitive disorders, chronic disease)

The AMA does not endorse euthanasia but acknowledges that there is a diverse range of opinion both within the medical profession and public and that ongoing conversation about the ethical and legal implications is important.

See the full statement (2016) below:

see also Aged Care Liaison Service – Palliation

 

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