Australia's doctors in training have announced their support for physician- assisted dying, as the Victorian parliament continues to debate the euthanasia law following its passing through the lower house.
The Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) on Thursday said it had adopted a new policy on voluntary-assisted-dying (VAD) after representatives from Australia's 21 medical schools voted to support the principle of euthanasia and physician-assisted dying.
This comes despite direct opposition from the country's peak medical body, the AMA, suggesting a generational gap among doctors on the controversial issue.
AMSA Global Health Policy Officer, Patrick Walker says the policy better represents its 17,000 members.
"As the conversation in this area progresses, it's important we provide a voice for Australia's medical students; our future medical professionals and future leaders. That's exactly what this policy does," Mr Walker said in a statement.
AMA President Dr Michael Gannon says he respects the AMSA's position yet believes it reflects its member's lack of experience in treating a dying person.
"Lets not forget that included in the (ASMA) survey are people who have yet to commence work on wards or have had minimal exposure to patients, but that's not to diminish their right to have the opinion," Dr Gannon told AAP.
Dr Gannon says interestingly an AMA survey of its members, which informed the body's updated 2016 position on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide - found that the closer doctors became to providing end-of-life care the less likely they were to support it.
He also noted that the ASMA's position also put them at odds with not just the AMA but 107 national medical associations and the World Medical Association.
The AMSA policy states that VAD is currently illegal within all Australian states and territories and that medical professionals must abide "completely and entirely" by the current legislation.
It also stresses the right of medical professionals' to conscientiously object to provide VAD to patients.
AMSA President, Rob Thomas described the support of voluntary euthanasia of its members as "significant".
According to Mr Thomas, a total of 19 out of 21 representatives voted in favour of VAD.
"While we respect current laws, and the rights of doctors to object should the laws change, we now have a consensus opinion that supports the concept moving forward," Mr Thomas said.
Dr Gannon - who recently wrote in an opinion piece that legalising voluntary assisted dying in Australia would be a "victory for fear over hope" - has again called on politicians to listen to doctors and consider the impact it would have on the health system and end-of-life care.
"When you talk about doctors who deliver it (end-of-life care) on a regular basis they are the doctors who are most opposed to this," Dr Gannon said.
"Doctors around the world from all different cultures are unified by the ethical concept that you don't take a patient's life."
