The Healer and the Reaper; One in the same?

“In whatsoever houses I enter I will enter to help the sick, and I will abstain from all intentional wrongdoing and harm” ~ Translation of the Hippocratic Oath by William Henry Rich Jones (1817 – 1885) The Hippocratic Oath is taken by all medical students before practicing as a doctor, this oath depicts the understanding […]

Euthanasia and the State of the Mind

“You can’t reason yourself back into cheerfulness any more than you can reason yourself into an extra six inches of height” ~ Stephen Fry Though euthanasia laws are changing and many now acknowledge there are those in our society that are fighting for a right to die painlessly. This acknowledgment usually only extends to the […]

Societal Consequences Surrounding Euthanasia

The antiquity and general acceptance of an opinion is not assurance of its truth. ~ Pierre Bayle (1647 – 1706) When talking about euthanasia those in opposition often argue on the grounds of potential societal consequences. These consequences tend to focus on the potential for euthanasia to be abused and lead to the targeting of the […]

Euthanasia’s Legal Status, Loopholes and Implications

Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life.” ~ United Nations Competing Values Euthanasia has been the topic of much moral, religious and legal debate in Australia over the years. With much of this debate stemming from the attempt […]

Euthanasia; Why?

“Thou shall not kill” ~ Bible The four words that govern modern day Australia and the medical profession. The basis of all our laws, procedures and rules the interpretation of good. However when it comes to Euthanasia, these interpretations become inconsistent and we start to ponder our stance on what is actually good and right. […]

An Appointment With The Reaper

“Against all the injuries of life, I have the refuge of death” ~ Seneca Through time there have always been these perceived notions of ‘mercy killings’, ‘angels of death’ or ‘death with dignity’.1 The human race has understood that death can be a release from the suffering of today. With modern medicine and today’s technology […]