Australia’s first euthanasia doctor tells his story of ending the lives of patients
Dr Cam McLaren has been involved in the deaths of 39 terminally ill patients, administering a lethal injection in three cases
Melbourne oncologist Dr Cam McLaren has played a leading role in Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying scheme.
In this extended interview, he explains his motivations, the ethical importance of his work and why he’s prepared to endure the ‘Dr Death’ headlines.
Australian Doctor: The first time you administered the lethal drugs — given the ethical debate that has raged over the years, the belief by some doctors that it is not what medicine should ever be about — it must have been a huge moment for you?
Dr McLaren: My very first case was my own patient. She had lung cancer which had progressed very quickly through first-line treatment and was no longer suitable for more. And she chose to go at her home.
