Voluntary Euthanasia and 'Assisted Dying' in Tasmania: A Response to Giddings and McKim

Abstract

This paper provides a consolidated response to the Honourable Lara Giddings (MP) and the Honourable Nick McKim (MP), offering analysis and critique of their ‘Voluntary Assisted Dying - A Proposal for Tasmania' (2013) paper. Their paper puts forward a radical proposal that, if legislated, would make Tasmania one of a very small number of jurisdictions in the world to legalise voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide. From close examination of their paper and proposed model, it is argued that while a number of their claims are evidence based, others are unsubstantiated. Their claims often represent one perspective or type of response to complex issues and questions -- the answers to which may never be agreed upon by relevant stakeholders. This paper draws on international literature as well as insights from well-credentialed Tasmanian practitioners to analyse Giddings and McKim' (2013) representation of what has (and has not) happened elsewhere and to critique their bid for euthanasia law reform in Tasmania. We conclude that the paper produced by Ms Giddings and Mr McKim does not constitute a compelling evidence-based case for changing the law. The risks of proceeding with the model that they propose are not justified.