Australian Suicide Doc to Distribute "Exit Bags"

The Weekly James ^ | July 9, 2002 | James Morrow

[TheToddinator]

Australia has come up with some pretty cool inventions over the years. The Hill's Hoist. Penfold's Grange. Even the infamous, indestructible "black box" (which isn't black, by the way) was developed down under.

Now, though, this proud tradition of innovation has taken a dark turn as Australian pro-euthanasia advocates, including Dr. Philip Nitschke of Nancy Crick fame, plan to give away specially-designed "exit bags" - that is, plastic bags designed to be put over one's head for the express purpose of ending one's life.

[TheToddinator]

Pretty scary...the rest of the story is here. Is this coming to America?

[Chemist_Geek]

Penfold's Grange.

Eh? Cor!

In all seriousness, though, why are 'specially-designed "exit bags"' necessary? What's the matter with a grocery produce bag?

[Salman]

Not exactly a new invention. I was taught as a child never to put a plastic bag over my head. I was also taught why not.

[Jonathon Spectre]

Umm, I am 100% in favor of voluntary euthanasia, but WHO would choose to end their life sucking plastic? Don't people realize there are DRUGS available that accomplish the same effect without such, well, horror?

[order_of_reason]

Crikey DM!

[oyez]

Isn't that the Johney Commander Space Helment as presented by Jane Curtin and Dan Ackroyd on the old SNL?

[Liberty 5-3000]

Exactly. Who needs a specially designed bag? Just make sure your celery stalks didn't puncture the bag on the way home.