Harrowing tales heard as assisted dying divides Toowoomba
SHOULD we play God or allow people to suffer? These were viewpoints at yesterday's aged care, end-of-life and voluntary assisted dying inquiry in Toowoomba.
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SHOULD we play God or allow people to suffer?
This was the debate at yesterday's parliamentary inquiry into aged care, end-of-life, palliative care and voluntary assisted dying held at the Burke and Wills Hotel.
More than 100 people attended the hearing, listening to a program of invited and self-registered speakers.
Voluntary assisted dying proved to be a point of contention.
"The temptation of taking an easier and cheaper option of ending the life of the patient should be resisted," Cherish Life president Dr Donna Purcell said.
"The common good will not be served by euthanasia.
"It is discriminatory - it begs the question of why are we proposing to save some people (from suicide), while we kill others?"
Retired chaplain Jed Perkins said he supported voluntary assisted dying.
"I would hope that I could have a gentle death," Mr Perkins said.
"We sometimes let the letter of the law become more important than love and compassion.
"I believe in separation of religion from state. I can practise my beliefs but I don't have the right to tell you what to do."
Some of audience gave impassioned pleas to legalise voluntary assisted dying based on past experiences.
"During my time, I have witnessed many people die in ways I would not want to die," nurse Rita Delahay said.
"Many can't eat or drink, and will die slowly of dehydration - which was distressing for the patients, as their mouths and lips become so dry they crack and bleed. The families endure unbelievable anguish."
The state of aged care in the Darling Downs was also discussed, with a panel of doctors, nurses and councillors highlighting low staffing issues and long home-care package waits.
"I've been advised that the waits on home-care packages (palliative care) are considerable," Western Downs council CEO Ross Musgrove said.
"People are passing away before the packages are being approved, which causes disruption to the person and family unit."
The committee will report its findings to parliament before November 30.
Originally published as Harrowing tales heard as assisted dying divides Toowoomba
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