Public symposium on euthanasia

The University of Queensland's Chaplaincy Centre will host a free public symposium on euthanasia on August 30.

Panel members are Ethics and Professional Development senior lecturer Dr Malcolm Parker, palliative care clinician and TRUST spokesman Dr David Van Gend, Queensland Bioethics Centre director Dr Liz Hepburn and barrister Peter Gorman.

They will discuss current medical practices and the legal position relating to euthanasia in Queensland.

Ethical issues associated with euthanasia will also be considered. Questions will be taken at the end of each session as well as during an open question time with all members of the panel.

University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Postgraduate Studies) Professor Peter Sheehan will chair the session.

Chaplain's assistant Linda Woodward said the symposium would provide information and promote discussion about the issues related to euthanasia.

'The debate about euthanasia reached a high pitch when the Northern Territory legislation was enacted and subsequently overthrown by the Federal government,' she said.

'The debate continues and it is important for society to be informed about the medical and legal issues associated with euthanasia.

'Very strong ethical and moral issues affect both sides of the argument. These issues influence and determine many behaviour outcomes in our society.'

The symposium will be held in Room 26, Steele Building on the St Lucia campus from 1-5pm. Light refreshments will be provided.

For information, contact the Chaplaincy Centre (telephone 3365 6439, fax 3365 6945).