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About Exit International
Exit International is a leading end-of-life choices (voluntary euthanasia/ assisted suicide) information and advocacy organisation.
Exit was founded by Australian physician, Dr Philip Nitschke, in 1997 after the over-turning of the world's first Voluntary Euthanasia law - the Rights of the Terminally Ill (ROTI) Act.
During the ROTI Act, Dr Nitschke became the first physician to administer a legal, lethal, voluntary injection.
Exit has a full time staff of five and an active network of more than 50 volunteers around the world.
Exit is a registered non-profit, with administrative headquarters in Darwin in the Northern Territory, Australia. Our shopfront office is at 134 Ayr St, Doncaster in Melbourne. Exit International US is based in Bellingham WA, USA.
The average age of Exit members is 75 years. Most of our members are well. All believe passionately in a person's right to make informed decisions about when and how they will die. A significant minority of Exit members are seriously ill.
Exit was initially known as the Voluntary Euthanasia Research Foundation (VERF).
Exit's principal activities include:
• Community Education program - public meetings are free and open to all
Public meetings focus on the political context of the Voluntary Euthanasia/ Assisted Suicide debate and the political history of a person's right to choose and Voluntary Euthanasia/ Assisted Suicide around the world.
• ExiTutorials (formerly called Workshops) - for those aged 50 years & over or whom are seriously ill
Information workshops build on the political framework outlined in the public meetings and go on to discuss practical end-of-life choices.
• Nancy's Friends Support Network - ongoing support & friendship with trained volunteers
Nancy's Friends provides Friends for people considering their end-of-life options. Visits take place at the home of the person. Relationships can be tailored to meet individuals' specific needs.
• Private Home Visits - with an Exit doctor
• Local Chapters - were members come together to discuss their thoughts & ideas
Exit's local chapters provide a contact point for friendship and information.
• Research & Development - into various end-of-life approaches that are reliable, peaceful & dignified
• Research & Development - into various end-of-life approaches that are reliable, peaceful & dignified
Exit R&D is focused on supporting members' own endeavours in regard to Helium/ Argon/ Nitrogen flow control, drug shelf life and storage and the Peaceful Pill Project.
• Advocacy - where we work with key, influential politicians & parties to affect legislative change
Since Exit Director, Dr Philip Nitschke, founded Exit in 1997, he has fought tirelessly for political reform and an end-of-life law. He has stood as an Independent candidate for the seat of Menzies twice while continuing to work with politicians around the country to promote the legislative reform agenda.
• Exit Publications - monthly newsletter Deliverance, ongoing updates to The Peaceful Pill Handbook
• Email List - a weekly Exit News & Forum email service
• Exit Conferences & Social Events