South Australia
Voluntary Euthanasia Bill 2012
What follows are the parts of
Voluntary Euthanasia Bill 2012 that pertain
to protection of freedom of conscience. Note the
following:
- Section 12 permits objection by medical
practitioners and others, and offers
protection against discrimination.
- Section 12 permits objection by medical
institutions.
- Section 13 protects those who provide
euthanasia from criminal and civil
liability, but does not offer similar
protection to objectors.
The bill was defeated in June, 2012.
12-Person may decline to administer or assist
the administration of voluntary euthanasia
(1) A medical practitioner may decline to carry
out a request for the administration of voluntary
euthanasia on any grounds.
(2) However, if a medical practitioner who has
the care of the patient declines to
administer voluntary euthanasia, the medical
practitioner must inform the person that
another medical practitioner may be prepared to
consider the request.
(3) A person may decline to assist a medical
practitioner to administer voluntary
euthanasia on any grounds without prejudice to the
person's employment or any other form of adverse
discrimination.
(4) The administering authority of a hospital,
hospice, nursing home or other institution for the
care of the sick or infirm may refuse to permit
voluntary euthanasia within the institution but, if
it does so, must take reasonable steps to ensure
that the refusal is brought to the attention of
patients entering the institution.
13-Protection from liability
A medical practitioner who administers voluntary
euthanasia, or a person who assists
in the administration of voluntary euthanasia,
incurs no civil or criminal liability by
doing so.