If you watch the ABC’s Q&A program, then you’re probably accustomed to seeing fiery clashes of opinion.
And last night was no exception.
When the talking point turned to voluntary euthanasia, emotions flared – and all eyes were on an elderly audience member and her husband.
The elderly couple explained to the panel they supported ‘some form of euthanasia’, admitting they would take their own lives before living in an aged care facility.
Bioethics professor Margaret Somerville, who is anti-euthanasia, wasn’t moved by their story – instead describing euthanasia as ‘killing’ a person.
“I actually believe that one person intentionally killing another person is wrong,” she said..
“Your death doesn’t just affect you, your death is a social event, it inflicts you, your family… the doctors.”
But the 81-year-old audience member wasn’t having any of the professor’s argument.
“I don’t know what you’re on about darling, about killing. That is definitely the wrong word to be using,” she said.
“But it’s up to me and it’s got nothing to do with the community darling, it’s to do with our family.”
If you missed the show, you missed the exchange that happened next.
Professor Somerville interjected, claiming “how you die does have to do with the community.”
And the elderly woman in the audience had no time for that either.
“Bulls***” she retorted.
Her reaction won the night, met with laughter and applause from the Q&A audience.
The exchange is set to reignite debate about voluntary euthanasia in the community, particularly amongst older people who hold similar views about aged care facilities and their lives.
Watch the video below and tell us what you think.
Why would you want to interfere with our wishes to access euthanasia? Margaret Somerville & @NikkiGemmell respond #QandA pic.twitter.com/qZyh7ZsOWI
— QandA (@QandA) April 10, 2017