Nitschke's mum 'wants access to drug'

Philip Nitschke says his elderly mother wants access to the euthanasia drug Nembutal, but not from him because of the "repercussions".

The euthanasia campaigner was asked about his mother at an Adelaide press conference today, when he vowed to fight his suspension by the Australian Medical Board.

Gweneth Nitschke lives in an Adelaide nursing home.

"She is not terminally ill but she is significantly disabled for her age at 94," Dr Nitschke said.

"She is of the opinion she would desperately love to have access to Nembutal, she makes it clear.

"She has also said she doesn't want me involved in any way, shape or form in the provision of that option because of the fact she believes it would have repercussions.

"She feels she has got the worst of the situation now."

Dr Nitschke said his mother knows many other people who have been able to source the drug.

"She hears stories all the time of people who had what she describes as the peaceful death she wants, but she feels trapped."

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