Euthanasia advocate takes own life in Australia

Sydney, Nov 1 (UNI) An Australian euthanasia advocate took her own life, ending her battle with bladder cancer and multiple sclerosis.

June Burns, an active campaigner of euthanasia in Australia, died at her home at Warwick, after using a quantity of a lethal drug, fellow euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke said.

Her husband Bob Burns said in a statement,''June is finally at peace. She maintained a strong belief that the individual should be able to make his or her own decision about ending life peacefully in circumstances where a terminal illness leads to a painful and undignified death, despite any amount of palliative care which may be available,'' the Age reported.

He further added his wife fought on courageously knowing that when the end was in sight she could make her own decision and end her life peacefully and with dignity.

Mrs Burns, who took her life at the weekend, was 67.

A Queensland police spokesman said today the matter was under investigation and a report would be submitted to the coroner.

Mrs Burns appeared in a television advertisement in 1999 and compared her plight to that of a sick dog and vowed she would one day take her life.

An organisation Right to Life Australia said Mrs Burns's case showed why euthanasia should not be legalised.

''Had euthanasia been legal back in March 1999 it is quite possible that Mrs Burns may have had her life ended then,''the organisation said in a statement.

UNI