In his opinion piece (“Euthanasia would undermine role as healers”, The Courier, August 1), Dr Mark Yates clearly outlines his argument against legalising voluntary assisted dying.
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It should firstly be pointed out that it could be construed by readers that his opinion represents those of the organisations that he lists at the end of his piece. This is not the case.
Listing his numerous medical involvements appears to be an attempt at lending professional weight to his argument, when it is his own personal opinions that he is expressing.
I therefore express my own personal view point in response to his article.
Dr Yates’ ethical view point is that doctors – indeed anyone – should not be able to take the life of another person, even with that person's express permission.
As he points out, this is a common position within many (but not all) medical organisations.
And it is commonly held within many religious institutions.
His view is that as “healers”, the doctor's role will be undermined by such changes. The fact is that, despite the many advances of modern medicine, there are significant limits to our ability to heal.
But not to our ability to care and to provide comfort.
These last two key roles for medical professionals will not disappear if or when the legalisation of voluntary assisted dying takes place.
What’s more, the position he espouses is clearly not held by everyone in our society or even in our profession.
There are many caring, compassionate and rational medical professionals who, like myself, have a view that is different.
As a palliative care physician, I strive, as part of a skilled multidisciplinary team, to care for and relieve the suffering of our patients who are dealing with advanced, progressive, terminal illness.
However, despite our very best efforts there remains a small percentage of patients whose suffering we cannot completely relieve.
These people suffer from fear of further loss of function and control, from fear of being an ongoing burden to their carers and perceive their overall dignity to be irreparably lost.
It is these people who I believe deserve a legally-sanctioned option to end their lives at a time of their choosing.
It may not be the decision that we would want them to make but it is their suffering and their informed choice.
And, after all, the doctor does not always know best at these times.
It is also important to point out that voluntary assisted dying is not part of palliative care as it is currently practiced in this country, despite unfounded suggestions to the contrary.
However, for those who choose the voluntary assisted dying pathway as their end of life option, we as palliative care professionals would continue our care and support right to the very end if that is what the person wished.
I would have no ethical problem in referring that person to a practitioner or organisation that would provide voluntary assisted dying.
Whichever way the parliamentary vote goes, palliative care will always be the “main game” in end of life care.
And we will continue to do our very best for those who seek our help.
Dr Greg Mewett, Palliative Care Physician, Ballarat
NB The opinions expressed here are Dr Mewett’s own and he is not speaking for or on behalf of his employer, BHS