The arrival of a Dr Nitschke, nicknamed Dr Death, and his suicide workshop tour of the UK have been widely reported by the media. One of the most disturbing details of the news is that he is deliberately targeting towns with a high proportion of elderly people for his suicide tour.

These suicide worshops are only open to people aged over 50, who have to sign a disclaimer saying they will not use the information to kill themselves, which is extraordinary, since this seems to be the whole point of the exercise. He maintains that he is not teaching people to commit suicide but simply offering information. It is difficult to see a distinction in practice. Dr Nitschke has had one session in Bournemouth, and plans similar events elsewhere.

He is reported to have said  “If lots of elderly people start topping themselves it’s because they have got good reasons to do so. They are not necessarily doing it for bad reasons.” A comment from the public on the same news website implies that the state of nursing homes might drive people to suicide, but surely the only answer to this is to improve the care of vulnerable people, and to ensure they don’t feel suicidal?

Dr Nitzchke also says “People will not be able to ask to get rid of their granny as she is a burden. Granny is going to have to ask for it herself. Her wishes have to be respected.” It’s not difficult to see how this could quickly become an expectation that vulnerable and old people should ask to die.

Ironically Dr Nitzchke is well over 50 himself, and according to one news article would not consider taking his own life, and would take “every pill” to keep himself alive.

Members of Dignity in Dying (the re-named Voluntary Euthanasia Society) are trying to distance themselves from his extreme views, but it is their campaigning for the law to be relaxed which has given Dr. Nitschke the idea that Britain is receptive to his work. Dr Nitzche’s suicide workshops are a step down the slippery slope onto which the pro-euthanasia lobby are determined we should venture.

In Britain, assisted suicide is illegal, with a maximum punishment of 14 years in prison, and Dr Nitschke’s promotion of suicide is therefore legally, as well as morally, questionable.   His suicide tour includes workshops in Bournemouth, Brighton, Stroud and Glasgow.

Palliative care experts have warned that in countries where assisted suicide is allowed, standards of care are lower. Introducing the practice here would destroy patient trust.

It is reported that Dr. Nitschke, who found Australia turning against his views, is now less sure of his welcome here, and may try to settle in the US.

Share/Save