January 5, 2003 Sunday Star and Times
By Deidre Mussen
The apparent euthanasia killing last week of a Paraparaumu pensioner has
dampened plans by an Australian euthanasia advocate to distribute plastic
suicide bags in New Zealand. Dr Philip Nitschke, a producer of the bags,
plans to bring sample "exit" bags to New Zealand in April for euthanasia
workshops in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. He also will see some
sick patients while in the country. But news of a murder charge in the
Paraparaumu case has unsettled him.
"I don't want to pour petrol on fire. It's a very predatory reaction by the
authorities over this incident. We are always trying to watch how the law is
being interpreted in New Zealand," he says. The woman, 78, was found dead
with a plastic bag over her head at a Paraparaumu rest home on December 29.
Her 89-year-old husband was found unconscious beside her, with medication
nearby. He was charged at his hospital bedside with her murder. Both were
members of a voluntary euthanasia society and terminally ill. One of
Nitschke's "exit" bags was not used. It is the second case of death by a
plastic bag over the head under police investigation in recent months.
Former voluntary euthanasia society member Victoria Vincent, 83, was found
dead in September. Police are waiting for toxicology results to determine
whether it was suicide or assisted suicide. Nitschke says his key fear is
police will prosecute him for providing the means for suicide.
"The more I think about it, the more I'm concerned. Distribution is the sole
question." New Zealand's euthanasia societies are reluctant to administer
distribution of the suicide bags, unlike other countries, he says. A handful
of New Zealanders have been sent the suicide bags directly from his
euthanasia group, Exit Australia, since the August launch. The bags have an
elasticised neck and velcro fittings, which are designed to cut off a
person's oxygen supply. The average cost to New Zealanders is a $50
"donation". Nitschke hopes to demonstrate a carbon monoxide death machine
when he visits New Zealand. It is designed to euthanase people and will be
unveiled in America this month. "It will depend on how well it is received
over there as to what happens here but it will definitely not be for
distribution just yet."
Produced by the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, Box 25033, London ON N6C 6A8
Tel: 1-877-439-3348, Email: info@epcc.ca