The Will of the People
The overwhelming majority of Australians (85%) believe that terminally ill individuals should have a right to seek and obtain assistance to end their life with dignity.
Advances in medicine mean that we are living longer but despite these advances in medicine, too many people still experience intolerable suffering at the end of life, because they are denied the right to choose a medically-assisted, dignified death. Just as there is medical futility, so there is palliative futility. Palliative Care Australia acknowledges that despite the best available care, not everyone can be helped.
Delaying law reform is having huge negative consequences because incurably ill people with profound suffering are forced to look for other ways to accelerate their own deaths such as hanging, car exhust gassing, jumping in front of a train or off a tall structure, and attempted drug overdose.
DWDV pursues public policies and law reform in the State of Victoria to enhance self-determination and dignity at the end of life.
Our legislative charter sets a responsible framework for for law reform to provide choice while at the same time including appropriate safeguards.
Independent Newspoll research.
|
why we need law reform 