2,460 terminally-ill Australians have chosen voluntary assisted dying since its legalization, with demand growing but barriers to access remaining.
2,460 terminally-ill Australians have chosen voluntary assisted dying (VAD) since it became legal in most jurisdictions, according to a report by Go Gentle Australia. Despite being legal in all areas except the Northern Territory, VAD accounts for just 0.5-1.6% of total deaths. Demand for VAD is growing, but barriers to access remain, including "gag clauses" in South Australia and Victoria that prevent healthcare professionals from discussing the option with patients and rules requiring applicants to attend all appointments in person. Health bodies are calling for reform to the Commonwealth Criminal Code to allow phone, email, and telehealth as part of the VAD process.
August 11, 2024
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