X-Message-Number: 6449 Date: Fri, 05 Jul 1996 18:05:55 -0700 From: David Brandt-Erichsen <> Subject: Australia update Forwarded report from Dr. Philip Nitschke in Darwin, Australia: In a media statement issued by Max Bell (7/7/96) he categorically denied any suggestion he is or intends to engage in a hunger strike. In part he said, "My intention is to continue battling this disease as long as humanly possible. Any suggestion other than this is incorrect and resented, and a retraction of statements suggesting that I would deliberately aggravate my physical condition to influence others is asked for". The "hunger strike" story seems to have originated from a comment made to Reuters by myself that, "a person dying of stomach cancer wishing to take up the euthanasia option, if denied, would have few options left but to starve to death"! Much of the 'Age' article by Gay Alcorn is correct though, and reflects the frustration here as we are unable to find the two specialist medical practicioners necessary under the new NT law to allow Max Bell to use the law. Two specialists are needed: (1) A psychiatrist to confirm that the patient does not have "clinically treatable depression". The psychiatrist can come from outside of the NT, and was thought, because of this, to be the easy signature to obtain. (2) A specialist "in the disease process", resident in the Northern Territory, able to confirm that the patient has terminal illness and a limited prognosis. In the case of cancer patient, Max Bell, the group of eligable specialists is small, in the order of 10 or 12 doctors. As of today we have had a number of interstate psychiatrists initially agree to assess the patient, only then to suddenly alter their decision. Many excuses have been used to explain this aparent change of heart. They vary from "wanting to wait till legal challange to the legislation is concluded", "wanting to arrange a 3 week trial of oral antidepressants" and "fear of retribution from right to life extremests if their identity was to be revealed". There are still 2 or 3 possible specialists, and they are currently considering their position. We are seeking permission to use telelink facilities to bypass the need to bring the specialist to Darwin. The second specialist is a far harder ask, but is also contingent on our ability to obtain the psychiatrist. All ten have been contacted, and there has been some (minimal) interest. Perhaps this will change when the ABC "Four Corners" documentry which traces the background to Max Bell's dilemma is screened across Australia, Monday evening. In the meantime, we wait, listening to the deafening sound of the slamming doors! Philip Nitschke, Darwin NT. Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=6449