Report into assisted dying in Victoria shows 52 people have ended their life under new laws
The response to Victoria’s new euthanasia laws has “far exceeded” the government’s expectations, with dozens of terminally ill people voluntarily ending their own lives since June last year.
VIC News
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New rules that legalised assisted dying in Victoria have allowed 52 terminally ill people to voluntarily end their life.
A report into the running of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board shows last year most confirmed deaths under the scheme came from self-administered medication.
Victoria became the first state in Australia to allow euthanasia in June 19 last year, with 135 people so far deemed eligible.
Terminally ill people must meet strict criteria for lethal drugs to be distributed and more than 365 medical practitioners have been registered for training to prepare for requests from patients.
It was expected as many as 200 Victorians could make use of the laws each year.
The report revealed so far 166 people started the scheme, 66 had medication dispensed, and 19 withdrew from the program between June and December 2019.
All cases were compliant, however, the board has made some observations about the process and identified areas the scheme can be improved.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos welcomed the report.
“These nation-leading laws are giving Victorians with an incurable illness a compassionate choice over the timing and manner of their death, and relief from their suffering.
“Among the most moving conversations I’ve had as health minister has been with family members who are grateful to have seen a loved one fulfil their wishes, and to have had the opportunity to say goodbye.”
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Ms Mikakos said the number of compassionate deaths “far exceeds our expectations” and will likely continue to increase.
The board chair Betty King confirmed all the cases were compliant.
“We have feedback in relation to each and every case,” she said. “Some (family members) find it traumatic some find it a great relief.”
She also said there was no evidence of family pressuring family members to begin the process.
More to come