Doctor admits to giving patients lethal doses of tranquilisers on Q&A
A respected doctor and euthanasia advocate admitted on Q&A he has given patients lethal doses of the powerful sedative Nembutal – describing the prescription as "pain relief" rather than euthanasia.
Dr Rodney Syme, vice president of Dying with Dignity, admitted during the show's live broadcast on Monday night he has provided the animal tranquiliser for terminally ill patients but police have not yet prosecuted him.
Millionaire businessman, wife and filmmaker perish in helicopter crash
'Life on our planet at stake': Warnings over climate change catastrophe
Host Tony Jones said the veteran doctor was "committing a crime" and his actions were "plainly illegal", only to have Dr Syme say he hoped police would prosecute so he could push for a legal precedent.
"I have openly gone and stated to the police that I have given a man Nembutal," the 79-year-old doctor said.
"At the end of the day, the policeman said to me very kindly 'I don't think there is enough evidence to prosecute.'"
When asked by a NSW man with multiple sclerosis why "Australian laws make 2,500 of our friends and relatives end their lives in sometimes the most lonely, sometimes painful way possible", Dr Syme said the spectrum of neurological disease made it difficult to offer palliative care.
With specific reference to motor neurons disease, Dr Syme said there was "no palliation which you can give for this disease".
"You can support the person with physical aids and nursing care, but ultimately this is a slow tragic death."
Dr Syme described Nembutal as the "drug of choice" for assisted suicides for the terminally ill, but suggested it was for "pain relief" rather than euthanasia.
If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
Morning news break – November 3
