Media Release: Greens Euthanasia Bill Abhorrent

September 8, 2009.

South Australia's proposed Voluntary Euthanasia Bill is totally abhorrent to right minded

Australians.

"In the first instance, it represents a direct violation of the Biblical command not to murder"

said Peter Stokes, CEO of Christian Ethics group Salt Shakers. "Additionally, it can promote

a death culture within the Health Care system."

As Tasmania's AMA president Chris Middleton recently affirmed, "legalising euthanasia would

definitely "poison" the doctor-patient relationship, creating fear and distrust." 1 "We agree",

said Peter Stokes.

We also agree with the Royal College of Nursing statement that voluntary euthanasia could

lead to exploitation of vulnerable elderly Australians from relatives looking to gain financially. (1)

Many Christians would find it abhorrent, and be deeply grieved, to learn that a group calling

itself "Christians Supporting Choice for Voluntary Euthanasia" is supporting the push for

legally "assisted" death.

"To suggest that we can determine for God, supposedly on compassionate grounds, when

life should end is reprehensible!" Said Peter Stokes.

However, just as we should not attempt to pre-empt death, neither should we advocate that

artificial methods be used to unnecessarily prolong life in situations involving terminal illness.

Salt Shakers is calling on the South Australian parliament to vehemently reject the proposed

Greens Bill.

Contact: Peter Stokes
Executive Director - Salt Shakers
Phone: 03 9800 2855 Mobile: 0413 084 145

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