Qld: Nitschke delays delivery of Aussie Bags for suicide
By Dale Paget
GOLD COAST, Aug 5 AAP - The delivery of more than 100 plastic bags designed to helppeople commit suicide is on hold while pro euthanasia advocate Dr Philip Nitschke makessure supporters can't be prosecuted for providing them.
The controversial suicide device will be promoted under the name "Aussie Bags" andwill be shipped with the warning: "DO NOT put this bag over your head. It could kill you."
Nitschke, the founder of the euthanasia group Exit Australia, said today more than100 Aussie Bags had already been manufactured and the advanced design would be unveiledto the public later this month.
"They have been produced but we are still trying to get some legal issues sorted outabout what will happen as far as their distribution," Dr Nitschke said.
"We've got orders for about 100 and they are coming in fairly steadily at present."
News of the planned release of the bags initiated a fresh campaign from the pro lifegroup, Right to Life Australia, which urged each state government to outlaw their distribution.
"If there is no legislation to cover it, well then they should be passing legislationto cover it," said president Margaret Tighe.
"I'm quite sure such legislation would sail through the parliament."
The Aussie Bags are based on the controversial Canadian Exit Bag but are made of thickerplastic and have an elastic lockable drawstring to provide a comfortable airtight sealaround a person's neck.
When used correctly supporters say the bag can result in a peaceful death from a deficiencyof oxygen in the blood.
Dr Nitschke said legal advice is being gathered on how to supply the bags without beingcharged with assisting a person to commit suicide which carries a penalty of up to lifeimprisonment.
Aussie Bag customers have to be members of Exit Australia and attend a group workshop.
Payment will be by donation and instructions may be posted on an offshore web site.
"These (customers) are people with an average age of 70 who are just trying to getthemselves prepared," Dr Nitschke explained.
"It is not their method of first choice but in the absence of anything better - andwithout the ability to get hold of drugs - they see it as an insurance policy."
Dr Nitschke provided AAP with a photo of one of the bags today. He plans to officiallyunveil the product at a news conference in Brisbane on August 20.
Ms Tighe said police should actively pursue the euthanasia advocate for promoting suicide.
AAP dp/sc/mg/bwl
KEYWORD: DIE BAGS (PIX AVAILABLE)
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