Local petitioners lobby for Compassionate Assisted Dying in palliative care

Locals are being urged to support an E-petition on the Queensland Parliament’s website advocating for Compassionate Assisted Dying (CAD) in palliative care. The petition, which runs until August 19, 2024, aims to bring about legislative change to allow optional euthanasia in palliative care settings.

The principal petitioner, Alan Winter, has shared his deeply personal experiences with the loss of two family members under dramatically different circumstances. Alan’s sister, who passed away peacefully in Adelaide under Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) laws, contrasted sharply with his wife’s brother, Dean, who endured a prolonged and painful death despite receiving professional palliative care.

“Dean just didn’t want to go,” Alan recounted. “We watched his chest rise and fall, rise and fall. Despite the beautiful care he was receiving, he basically starved to death over 17 days.” He described the heartbreak of seeing Dean’s condition deteriorate, with his skin showing signs of decay and his extremities turning black. The nursing staff, though compassionate, were legally unable to end his suffering.

Alan’s letter underscores the disparity in how we treat animals versus humans in their final days. 

“Had he been a dog, cat, horse, or other domestic creature, we would have been legally allowed to end his suffering. We treat our domestic animals more compassionately than our loved ones,” he lamented.

The push for CAD legislation is crucial as dementia, now the second greatest cause of death in Australia, is expected to become the leading cause. 

Many dementia patients, who cannot access VAD, will inevitably enter palliative care. While palliative care can alleviate pain, it often fails to preserve dignity in the final stages of life.

To support the petition, visit Queensland Parliament E-petition at www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Petitions/Petition-Details?id=4106. 

Additionally, a paper petition will be launched at Nature’s Edge Lifestyle Village in Forest Glen on July 8 at 10:30 am. Alan says the community’s response could significantly influence the progress of this essential legislative change.

• For further information, contact Alan on 0449 688 041.

Dean is pictured with his wife, Gaynor