Elderly Australians turning to Euthanasia

Sydney -- Medical authorities in Australia say an alarming number of elderly people are turning to an illegal drug to take their own lives.

The Australian Medical Association says the increasing use of the powerful sedative Nembutal shows the desperation of a growing number of elderly Australians concerning their quality of life.

Nembutal is banned in Australia and those caught importing or manufacturing the drug risk jail.

Speaking on an Australian Broadcasting Corp. TV program, AMA spokeswoman Roseanna Capolingua said "we have to solve what the desperation is about" in some individuals.

"We have to relieve them of the need and belief that they should have, and need to have, the right to chose death over continuing to live," she said.

The TV broadcast claimed that "hundreds" of people are illegally importing Nembutal, while others have successfully produced the drug in Australia.

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