Bulletin 15: Some Simple Questions and Answers

Q1:  

Why do people make a request for Physician Assisted Dying (PAD)?

A:

Despite the latest advances in medical treatment and palliative care, it is simply not possible to relieve all intolerable suffering. Palliative Care Australia itself “acknowledges that while pain and other symptoms can be helped, complete relief of suffering is not always possible, even with optimal palliative care.” About 5–10% of late stage cancer patients, for example, cannot be helped and suffer intolerably with no form of relief except by asking for assistance to die peacefully. Suffering may include not only unrelievable pain (e.g. a tumour pressing on the nerves in the spinal cord), but may also include symptoms such as breathlessness, weakness, and the inability to participate in any enjoyable activities.
 

Q2:

What proportion of people who make a request would be likely to receive assistance?

A:

Overseas experience shows that around two out of three patients making a request for assistance to die peacefully are declined by their doctors.
 

Q3:

What proportion of people receiving assistance would actually use it?

A:

Overseas experience shows that one out of three patients who go through the rigorous assessment and qualification process never actually takes the medication. That in itself indicates that just having the medication available is good palliative care: the patient feels that having the medication relieves worry about what might happen should their condition further worsen, and therefore the patient experiences a form of relief and does not need to act immediately.
 

Q4:

Won’t people come from interstate and overseas for assistance to die?

A:

No. Only sufferers who have been a genuine resident of Victoria for at least 12 months may potentially qualify under the Bill. Providing assistance to a person who does not qualify remains a criminal offence.