VIC: Nitschke attacked over child euthanasia support

AAP General News (Australia)
08-13-1999
VIC: Nitschke attacked over child euthanasia support

Victorian Premier JEFF KENNETT has lashed out at euthanasia campaigner PHILIP NITSCHKE over
his support for extending euthanasia to children as young as 12.

Mr KENNETT says Dr NITSCHKE is doing damage to his cause rather than promoting it.

The Premier says he supports allowing adults the right to die, but says offering children
the same right is not possible.

He says a child cannot make that decision, and he thinks it's wrong for others to make it
on their behalf.

The attack follows Dr NITSCHKE decision to support Dutch government moves to legalise
euthanasia for both children as young as 12 and adults.

Right to Life has also condemned Dr NITSCHKE's comments, saying the Dutch move is reminiscent
of the Nazi regime, who once practised such a form of social cleansing.

AAP RTV ljm/ra/wz/jn/jms/rt

KEYWORD: DIE (MELBOURNE)

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