Australia: Two female senators of Greek descent in favor of voluntary euthanasia

In favor of legalizing voluntary euthanasia, were the two ladies of Greek descent from the South Australian Senate.

Ms. Konstantina Bonaros, who belongs to the SA Best party, and Ms. Irene Pnevmatikos, who belongs to the South Australian Labor Party, said they intend to support the bill, which was passed a few days ago in the South Australian House of Representatives by 33 votes to 11, when it comes up for a vote in the Senate.

«83% of South Australian citizens openly support voluntary euthanasia. I personally examined the proposed bill, fully aware that it is the most conservative bill on voluntary euthanasia in the entire world, and I decided to support its enactment,» said Ms. Bonarou.

«I am very proud to have the opportunity to support voluntary euthanasia,» said Ms. Irini Pnevmatikou, who argued that despite the reactions of a small minority, if this law is passed by the Senate, it will give patients who suffer from extremely serious and painful conditions the opportunity to choose, with dignity and safety, the path of voluntary euthanasia, writing the epilogue of their own lives.

The bill will now be submitted to the Senate for approval, and according to the latest information, It is very likely that South Australia will become the fourth Australian state to approve voluntary euthanasia. after 17 failed attempts to pass this bill over the last 26 years.

State Premier Steven Marshall and the leader of our state's official opposition, Mr. Peter Malinauskas, have also come out in favor of legalizing the bill. Mr. Peter Malinauskas, who stated that this issue has been of great concern to him in recent months and that his decision to vote in favor was not one he took «lightly.».

South Australian legislation regarding this bill follows the model of the state of Victoria, is therefore quite conservative and applies to citizens of South Australia who have Australian citizenship, are over 18 years of age and have lived in our state for at least one year.

The new law will allow voluntary euthanasia only for patients suffering from an incurable disease that causes unbearable pain while In order for the patient's request to be accepted, the written approval of two doctors will be required..

The Holy Archdiocese of Australia condemns voluntary euthanasia because, as the fathers of our church maintain, «no one has the right to take away a life that God has given to man.».