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.


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