Medical students show support for euthanasia

Australia’s largest body of medical students has today released a document giving in-principle support to legalising euthanasia.

Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is currently still illegal within all Australian states and territories, but the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) has published a policy document in favour of new laws on the subject.

Representing 17,000 medical students from 21 different institutions, the AMSA has also reiterated that the priority of medical professionals should be to abide by the law, and that euthanasia “should not replace or be a substitute for high quality palliative care”.

“AMSA believes that any legislation must be subject to stringent restrictions and appropriate safeguards to ensure its limited and appropriate use; VAD should be reserved for select patients; Medical professionals should be actively involved in the design and adoption of any VAD legislation and medical professionals have a right to conscientious objection,” the position statement said.

AMSA Global Health Policy Officer, Patrick Walker, said the policy was a significant step forward for the organisation.

“This is an important policy for AMSA to have, especially given the current political climate,” Mr Walker said.

“As the conversation in this area progresses, it’s important we provide a voice for Australia’s medical students; our future medical professionals and future leaders. That’s exactly what this policy does.”

AMSA President, Rob Thomas, said it was interesting to see such significant student support for such a divisive issue.

“While we respect current laws, and the rights of doctors to object should the laws change, we now have a consensus opinion that supports the concept moving forward,” Mr Thomas said.

The document sets out a number of recommendations for the federal government, including putting safeguards in place before any legislation moves forward; considering evidence and data from both Australia and overseas; consulting vulnerable people to inform policy; obtaining views from health professionals and the general public; monitoring the use of any VAD programs, and allowing medical professionals to conscientiously object.

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