[Right_to_die] Australian doctor group is worried over euthanasia interest by public

[org.opn.lists.right-to-die at lists.opn.org]

		'Desperation' behind euthanasia drug smuggling: AMA

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) says it is alarmed a growing 
number of elderly Australians may be turning to an illegal drug to take 
their lives.

ABC TV's Four Corners program has broadcast claims that hundreds of 
people are illegally importing the powerful sedative Nembutal to 
Australia, while others have successfully made the drug here.

Nembutal is a banned drug in Australia and those caught importing or 
manufacturing it risk jail.

Dr Rosanna Capolingua from the AMA's ethics committee has told Four 
Corners it shows the desperation in some individuals.

"We have to solve what the desperation is about. We have to relieve them 
of the need and belief that they should have, and need to have, the 
right to choose death over continuing to live," she said.

Dr Capolingua says she believes those breaking the law should be prosecuted.