QUEENSLAND, AU — An 81-year-old woman has been granted bail after being charged with attempting to assist suicide and trafficking a veterinary euthanasia drug in a high-profile Queensland case.
Elaine Arch-Rowe, a former coordinator of the Gold Coast chapter of euthanasia advocacy group Exit International, appeared before Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday. She was arrested on Friday following a prolonged police investigation related to the death of a 43-year-old man with a disability in April, who allegedly used a restricted barbiturate to end his life.
While another individual, Brett Daniel Taylor, faces charges of assisting that suicide, Arch-Rowe is accused of trying to supply the same drug to an undercover police participant posing as someone seeking end-of-life options.
Arch-Rowe faces four charges, including:
Attempted assisting suicide
Trafficking a dangerous drug
Possession of a dangerous drug
Sale of potentially harmful items
Intercepted Communications Key to Case
The court was told that after a meeting in Nerang between Taylor and the police participant on September 5, Arch-Rowe followed up to arrange the sale of the drug.
Text messages and phone calls between Arch-Rowe and Taylor were intercepted, with Arch-Rowe reportedly advising discretion, saying, “That’s not the way you do it, you don’t need to mention the money.”
In another recorded conversation, she allegedly stated,
“I have always tried to give people knowledge to access a safe end-of-life drug that will work.”
She also acknowledged legal risks, saying:
“I’m of a certain age, I don’t give a s*** really, so I’m happy for the buck to stop with me.”
Police allege Arch-Rowe and Taylor attended a September 10 Exit International seminar with four bottles of the drug, which they intended to distribute.
Defense Argues Weak Case
Arch-Rowe’s lawyer, Michael McMillan, argued that there is no direct evidence his client was told the drug would be used for suicide. He emphasized Arch-Rowe’s age, clean criminal record, and community involvement, including lawn bowls and playing the ukulele.
“There are not many cases like these… this isn’t a very strong one. It’s only an attempt,” McMillan said outside court.
Bail Conditions Set
Despite the seriousness of the charges, Magistrate Deborah Mitchell granted bail with strict conditions:
Weekly reporting to police
No contact with co-accused
No possession or attempts to acquire euthanasia drugs
No participation in Exit International or similar groups
Arch-Rowe is expected to plead not guilty. The matter is scheduled to return to court next month.
