Dr Death shocked at length of Lesley Martin's sentence

1.00pm

An Australian euthanasia campaigner is appalled at the sentence given to Lesley Martin for the attempted murder of her terminally ill mother.

Martin was convicted and sentenced to 15 months in jail yesterday but doctor Philip Nitschke, known as Dr Death, argues that Martin is a brave person who has stood up for a much-needed change in society.

He believes she carried out an act of compassion, and claims the law seems unable to distinguish this from other acts of attempted murder.

Dr Nitschke says he is shocked by what he calls the savagery of the sentence.

He says the only positive aspect of the case is that it will make it easier for campaigners to mobilise public support.

Dr Nitschke says he has worked closely with Martin, who also spent time with him when she wrote her book To Die Like a Dog.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Medical Association has said quality care needs to be available to all terminally ill patients in the wake of Martin's sentencing.

Association chair Tricia Briscoe says doctors have a duty to ensure terminally ill patients are pain free and have support.

She says the key message from the Martin trial is the need to ensure effective palliative care for all patients in New Zealand.

Briscoe says palliative care means patients have access to all the medicine and support they need to ensure they are pain free.

She says the Government must ensure the excellent palliative care in New Zealand is available to everyone.

Dr Briscoe says it is important patients understand they have the right to pain relief treatment, even if it could shorten their life.

She says the NZMA strongly opposes euthanasia.

- Newstalk ZB