February Archive

Assisted-suicide booms in Switzerland

Jared Yee | 27 February 2012

The number of patients in Switzerland who killed themselves with the help of assisted-suicide organisations rose significantly in 2011, new figures show.

Yes Minister’s guide to reports on euthanasia

Paul Russell | 22 February 2012

“Never suggest an inquiry unless you know the outcome beforehand.” A commonly used phrase in politics and, most likely, the kind of advice Sir Humphrey Appleby might have given Jim Hacker MP in the British political comedy, Yes Minister!

Sarkozy draws line in sand over euthanasia

Michael Cook | 21 February 2012

The two candidates in France’s presidential election are using euthanasia as one of the defining differences in the campaign. In a wide-ranging interview in Le Figaro, President Nicolas Sarkozy explained why he would not back it:

“Not a good look”

Paul Russell | 20 February 2012

Not a good look” said euthanasia activist Philip Nitschke to an ABC news journalist. He was referring to the fact that Merin Nielsen, the man convicted last week in a Brisbane court of the assisted suicide of Frank Ward in 2009 was the sole beneficiary of Ward’s estate.