Blog
October 6, 2024
A Good Death will Remain Out of Reach in the UK
A Bit of Background
For the past 13 years, the UK has relied on ‘the Starmer guidelines‘ for their legal determinations on assisted suicide.
Back in 2010, when he was the director of Public Prosecutions (long before his recent Prime Minister-ship), Keir Starmer attempted to clarify the law around assisted suicide.
Back then, …
July 21, 2024
Needles, Drinks & Buttons – an Existential Dilemma
In recent weeks, I have watched as the Sarco has neared its completion.
This has taken place in a workshop in Rotterdam.
I have watched as the electronics guy has trouble-shot (is that a term) his system and made some necessary last minute adjustments.
I have watched ‘the button’ being ordered online and installed.
I’ve …
April 7, 2024
She who sups with the devil …
She who sups with the devil should have a long spoon …
Part of me wants to shake Zoraya and tell her to wake up to herself.
She may be depressed, and she may have any number of psychiatric maladies, but that does not mean that she should throw common sense (and her caution) to …
March 17, 2024
Starmer Guidelines Keep Families Apart
The recent death of Scottish solicitor, Bruce de Wert, draws attention to the chaotic and inhumane state of the law in the UK.
In 2014, the now Labour Leader, Keir Starmer, issued CPS guidelines about prosecutions for assisted suicide.
At that time Starmer was the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Presumably, the intention of his office …
February 18, 2024
Couples Going Together: the Luck of Timing
Last week, former Dutch Prime Minister, Dries van Agt died at his home in Nijmegen.
His wife Eugenie died alongside him.
These deaths have sparked significant international media coverage, making much mention of the fact that they died holding hands. Both were 93 years. Both were very ill.
Despite much of the reporting, the chances …
January 27, 2024
The Facts about Nitrogen Hypoxia 101
The Facts about Nitrogen Hypoxia 101 by Dr Philip Nitschke
This week the State of Alabama executed Kenny Smith using an off-the-shelf, one-size-fits-all face mask that they purchased for $308 (exc shipping).
In using the face mask in this way Alabama Corrections went against the manufacturer’s instructions and warranty.
And they ignored advice provided to …
January 6, 2024
Execution using Nitrogen Hypoxia is Doomed to Fail
In the run-up to Christmas, I spent a good deal of my time and all my concentration on the ‘stay of execution’ legal appeal with the lawyers for Kenny Smith in the US State of Alabama, arguing that their planned Execution using Nitrogen Hypoxia is Doomed to Fail.
I was pleased to be able to …
December 10, 2023
Backstory to Australia’s Ban on the Telephone & Internet
This week, the Federal Court of Australia ruled that ‘assisted dying’ is the same as ‘suicide’!
No surprises there although we suspect that there are plenty of ‘voluntary assisted dying’ groups will be upset at this revelation …
The action was brought by Victorian doctor Nick Carr who was seeking to have voluntary assisted dying …
September 10, 2023
Why I am voting YES says Exit Founder
It is not often that I stray into mainstream politics, but the forthcoming Australian Referendum on a Voice to Parliament is one issue that I cannot stay silent about.
I am voting YES because Aboriginal people have received a raw deal from us white Australians for over 200 years (to put it mildly).
Genocide and …
August 13, 2023
VAD Law must be More Ethical than Recent Police Tactics
Online Opinion, by Dr David Swanton
Although suicide is legal and the ACT Government is working to legislate for voluntary assisted dying (VAD), recent insensitive actions of police in Canberra suggest that police think suicide is illegal.
Welfare checks
What happened? In recent months, police have conducted so-called welfare checks on elderly Canberrans.
This sounds innocuous, and commendable, if the checks …
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