Easy way out found in DIY suicide pill

Since Dr. Kevorkian faded from the headlines a few years ago, a new Dr. Death has arrived. Dr. Philip Nitschke of Australia advocates euthanasia and has created a do-it-yourself suicide pill.

If a person is really desperate to die, they can probably handle suicide. If committing the act alone is too difficult or emotional, then suicide is not the answer. Problems and issues can then be worked through with therapy or help from loved ones. It is crazy to think that in this world there are people who need help committing suicide. Assisted suicide is closer to murder because even if the victim wishes for death, they are not committing the act; they are hiring someone else to do it for them. Not only is this cowardice of the worst kind, it turns someone else into a murderer.

Nitschke assisted the deaths of four people when Australia's Northern Territory briefly legalized "mercy killing" before the legislation was overturned. He was then nicknamed""Dr. Death," a name that continues to"describe his work.

Nitschke has founded a euthanasia group called Exit International that plans to hold a seminar to teach the public how to make the pill by blending store bought items. He has strategically scheduled the seminar prior to Australia's next parliamentary meeting, where the parliament is expected to ban this type of seminar. Approximately 30 citizens from the United States, New Zealand and Australia will attend the three-day seminar.

Really, anyone who wanted to commit suicide could try to overdose on anything in their medicine cabinet, slit their wrists or drown. Someone desperate to end their life has multiple options. Anything can be used to harm if you think creatively.

The Australian parliament is expected to ban anyone from distributing material to encourage assisted suicide or suicide according to the Associated Press. Specifically, Australia is banning the preparation and distribution of material that dictates how people should end their lives. The fine for not obeying the law will be approximately $90,800, making it difficult for Exit International to function with their headquarters in the country.

This do-it-yourself suicide pill is no amazing feat of science. It helps the spineless end their life without an assistant, but that concept is not new. Suicide has been around for ages, and Nitschke's new creation is unnecessary.