For many people the process of dying includes weeks, months even years of pain and suffering. For some, the pain may reach an intensity which even drugs cannot overcome. Even where pain largely can be controlled, distress is caused by loss of control over bodily functions, physical wasting away and mental disarray or incapacity. I ask of you, would you like to die this. For many, this is reality. Not being able to do anything or go anywhere restricted by their medical condition. The Netherlands, the only country where euthanasia is technically legal, has the same criteria for eligibility for assistance to die, as those of the Northern Territory Act. In 1997 2.7% of all deaths qualified under these criteria. A rate which if applied to the Australian death statistics equates to approximately seven deaths per day. Can we call ourselves a humane society and ignore these people. As Professor Ronald Dworkin (Professor of Law, New York and Oxford Universities) says: " making someone die in a way that others approve, but he believes a horrifying contradiction of his life, is a devastating, odious form of tyranny.

             While the common law gives every competent person the right to refuse medical treatment, in practice such a right is often overridden. A person may be certified as mentally incompetent if he or she refuses treatment, which the attending medical professionals believe is warranted. The treatment may then be given legally. Such cases of patient empowerment must be abolished. Alone, among Australian states, South Australia has legislated to allow persons to refuse medical treatment without being subjected to medical veto. All states in Australia, should legislate this law, it is not acceptable that medical professionals have power over a patients will. Some terminally ill patients who have been denied assistance in dying, have attempted to terminate they're suffering by ending their lives themselves or with the help of loved ones, who are not trained in medicine.