‘Historic milestone’ as SA’s voluntary assisted dying laws come into effect

Euthanasia laws have come into effect in SA, as 70 doctors sign up for the program and authorities reveal the 11 steps patients must take to use it.

Patient/advocate Kym Watson, right, who is terminally, with his NDIS carer Mel Robinson. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

Grandfather of six Kym Watson, 66, of Goolwa is thrilled voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is now available in South Australia as of Tuesday, after contracting cancer aged 58 then Parkinson’s disease which has developed into terminal multiple-systems atrophy.

The former stockman and manager has the full support of his wife and two sons as he contemplates taking advantage of the law, and is just glad he now has the option if his condition becomes too much to bear.

Presiding member of the VAD review board Dr Melanie Turner. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

“I am so proud to be a South Australian and that empathy and goodwill has surfaced to such a degree that people with terminal illnesses can have the opportunity to pass in peace with the people they love,” he said.

“I can’t say how grateful I am for this happening, it is a lot of weight off my shoulders.

“The two biggest things in my health journey has been NDIS with the marvellous job they have done and now this amazing bill allowing the end of my life to be a very peaceful and happy journey.

“At the given time without doubt I will use it, but not currently. I am proud to live in a state and country that has VAD and the NDIS.”

Kym had previously considered travelling interstate if the VAD law had failed to pass in SA.

The law came into effect on January 31, after 16 failed attempts over 27 years, and includes 70 safeguards in an 11-stage process which could be done in as little as nine days.

More than 70 doctors have now registered and are undertaking mandatory training, and VAD review board presiding member Dr Melanie Turner expects about 10 patients a month to seek VAD based on interstate experience.

She noted some people may make a successful application but not use the medication — taking comfort in knowing it is there if they need it.

There had been eight telephone inquiries the day before the law came into effect and by Tuesday afternoon five people likely to be eligible had initiated the process.

Attorney-General Kyam Maher noted five years ago there were no VAD schemes in Australia, but by the end of the year they will operate in every state with the two territories expected to follow.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Health Minister Chris Picton. Picture: David Mariuz

He noted in the past many desperate people had “taken matters into their own hands, in horrific circumstances.”

“Terminally ill South Australians now have the option of ending their life with the dignity they lived their life,” he said.

Health Minister Chris Picton stressed safeguards ensure only eligible people access VAD and protect the vulnerable from coercion, abuse and exploitation.

“South Australians will be able to start the strict process under the laws,” he said.

“I encourage people who are interested to read the materials on the SA Health website and speak to your doctor.”

The government has committed more than $18m over five years to support safe access to VAD.

Originally published as ‘Historic milestone’ as SA’s voluntary assisted dying laws come into effect