Media Release: Clandestine suicide promotion must stop.

HOPE director calls for national inquiry into suicide industry

Paul Russell

The media stories of the deaths of a 45 year old and a 25 year old man using Exit International suicide methods has left two families bereft and in need of an explanation. 

“There are natural demands for justice for the families of Joe Waterman and Nigel Brayley. Whilst Dr NItschke and euthanasia advocates generally talk about relieving suffering, these two unnecessary deaths have created suffering; something Dr Nitschke seems not to care about,” says HOPE Director, Paul Russell.

“We expect medical professionals to care, not to show a callous indifference to both the depressed person and their family and friends. 

“Nitschke would have us believe that suicide can be an acceptable response to life’s difficulties and challenges,” says Russell. “This makes a mockery of suicide prevention and may, in fact, also prompt others to follow this disastrous path. As a society we must maintain a strong distain for suicide as an answer to problems.”

Mr Russell is calling for a national inquiry into the operation of Exit International and other pro-euthanasia groups who deal in clandestine advice. 

“These are surely not the only families who are part of the trail of misery created by Exit and other advocacy groups. It’s time the Australian public knew the full truth.”

HOPE: preventing euthanasia & assisted suicide Inc. is a national network of people and organisations who work to oppose euthanasia & assisted suicide legislation.

HOPE is a member of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition International based in Canada. Paul Russell is vice chair of the international body.

For further comment contact: Paul Russell Executive Director, HOPE M: 0407 500 881 or at: director@noeuthanasia.org.au