At least six South Australians end life under new assisted dying laws

Figures have been released for the number of people who have ended their own lives – or applied to do so – since voluntary assisted dying laws were passed in SA on January 31.

At least six terminally ill South Australians have ended their own lives since voluntary assisted dying legislation was passed on January 31.

In the first six weeks since the legislation was passed, 32 people have made a first request to

commence the process to access the pathway, with 11 permits being issued by SA Health.

For many reasons, not all people who make a formal first request or who receive a permit proceed to the final stage of the VAD process, however SA Health is aware of at least six South Australians who have died after being administered or self-administering a voluntary assisted dying substance in accordance with the Act.

SA Health, in a release to the media, said the Act is operating as intended, with all safeguards in place working effectively. Under the Act, a person with a terminal illness may access voluntary assisted dying in South Australia if they meet all eligibility criteria.

Voluntary assisted dying legislation was passed in SA on January 31. Picture: iStock

Forty-four medical practitioners have now completed the mandatory voluntary assisted dying training, and a further 54 have registered but not yet completed the training.

Alongside doctors, Care Navigators from the South Australian Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service are available to assist people with accessing VAD.

These are nursing and allied health professionals with experience in complex and end of life care who manage queries, encourage connections between services, and support referrals to participating medical practitioners.

For more information about VAD and the Care Navigator Service please visit the SA Health website.