Myth 1:

A health professional performs euthanasia or assists dying if he or she provides palliative medication that hastens a person’s death

No. Giving palliative medication in accordance with good medical practice is legal so long as the health professional’s intention is to reduce or relieve a person’s pain and suffering, and not to hasten death. This is the case even if the health professional knows death may be hastened by providing the medication. Health professionals are protected by the 'doctrine of double effect'.

Myth 2:

A health professional or other person assists dying by allowing someone to refuse food or drink

No. If a person has capacity to refuse food or drink, then respecting their refusal and not force-feeding the person is not assisting them to die.

Myth 3:

The doctrine of double effect will only protect a doctor

No. In most Australian states and territories a doctor, nurse, carer or family member can give medication and be protected by the doctrine of double effect. Generally though, giving the medication must be ordered or supervised by a doctor. The law in South Australia is slightly different. The medication must be given by the medical practitioner responsible for the person’s treatment, or a person supervised by that medical practitioner such as a nurse or carer.