Updated Nov 2007

Christian Democratic Party (CDP) & Euthenasia

 

POLICY Statement Euthenasia Euthanasia (regardless of method) is a deliberate act to end a patient’s life. We oppose euthanasia, whether active (such as with an injection) or passive (such as by withdrawing food and water), whether voluntary (with the consent of the victim) or involuntary (without the consent of the victim). Euthanasia should not be confused with refusing futile or burdensome medical treatment when death is inevitable. Neither should euthanasia be confused with the provision of good palliative care. In some instances, medications that manage pain may hasten death, but this is not euthanasia for the aim is not to kill but to alleviate suffering. Rather than eliminating the frail, sick and elderly, we support quality palliative care. In Vitro Fertilisation CDP has reservations about IVF programs even for infertile married couples. Even with multiple cycles, the success rate is low and frequently results in acute disappointment. A human embryo stands less than a 5 per cent chance of being born through IVF, meaning 95 per cent perish. In addition, a higher percentage of IVF children suffer disabilities such as rare urological defects, heart or central nervous system abnormalities, and dangerously lows birth weights. Consequently, CDP opposes any Medicare rebate for IVF We are opposed to IVF programs that deliberately create spare embryos or that screen embryos for genetic diseases, sex selection, tissue matching, or designer characteristics. We are opposed to IVF procedures that require “foetal reduction” of unwanted but successfully implanted embryos. CDP is opposed to any use of reproductive technology by persons other than married couples because every child is entitled to have a father and mother who are publicly committed to each other for life. CDP is sympathetic to the plight of infertile married couples, and urges them to seek help from organizations such as Fertility Care that offer treatment for infertility that is consistent with a pro-life ethic. Human embryo research and cloning CDP opposes any type of research on human embryos that results in their harm or destruction. Therefore, we support the rescinding of State and Federal legislation permitting such research We oppose all human cloning and the creation of chimeras (human/animal hybrids). Rather, we support and encourage research using adult stem cells and umbilical cord stem cells, as this does not involve the destruction of human life. Most research and all successful therapies to date have been done using adult stem cells. http://www.cdp.org.au/fed/policy_federal.asp