“Are we really surprised that the majority of Queenslanders support physician assisted suicide when our current system cannot ensure appropriate supportive care is provided to those who are dying?” Says Associate Professor Vora, President of Palliative Care Queensland at the launch of the Your Death Your Choice Community Education Initiative.
“We are proud to join together with Cancer Voices Queensland to host Your Death Your Choice, providing an opportunity for the people of South East Queensland to openly discuss death and dying in modern Queensland”.
As a long term cancer survivor and Chair of consumer association Cancer Voices Queensland, Leonie Young describes the end of life journey of many cancer patients as often a secret and hidden experience.
“Everyone knows that death is a normal and natural occurrence, yet the reality is that in our modern society, death and the dying process are issues not easily talked about. As a result, our health system seems primed towards saving life at all costs.”
”Although some of the presentations at Your Death Your Choice will be confronting, it is essential that we hold public forums like this to demystify the process of death, because this is a process that affects every person.
” Your Death Your Choice will take place during the first week of October, bringing together celebrities and politicians, including actor and writer William McInnes and Senators Sue Boyce, Larissa Waters and Claire Moore.
Chaired by ABC TV’s Talking Heads host Peter Thompson, the initiative will conclude with a large public forum between 8.30am and 3.30pm on Saturday October 8th at the Victoria Park Golf Club, where the issue of physician assisted suicide will be debated by a panel of experts, including euthanasia advocate Neil Francis, CEO of YourLastRight.Com.
For more information about the Your Death Your Choice Community Education Initiative or to purchase tickets for this event, please visit www.yourdeathyourchoice.com.au . Flier attached.
