Why We Need Law Reform

The Will of the People

The overwhelming majority of Australians (80%) 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 die in great pain or experience profound suffering at the end of life, because they are denied the right to choose a medically-assisted, dignified death.

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 (hanging, car crash suicide, car exhaust gassing etc or making a DIY 'peaceful pill'.).

Relevant legislation, except in the case of Territories, is totally controlled by State (not Federal) Government.

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 spells out more precisely how the legislation should be changed and what we are asking for. More...

Independent Roy Morgan research.

Victorians Want Change

People most in need of 'dying with dignity' legislation can’t get out and march down Bourke Street. They are too ill.

As an organised voice, DWDV works for the enactment of 'dying with dignity' legislation on behalf of the overwhelming majority of Victorians who believe that terminally ill individuals should have a right to seek and obtain medical assistance to end their life with dignity.

Current law lags significantly behind the will of the people.

Such laws have already been enacted in Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Oregon in the USA. These laws are working safely and responsibly.

Q: What do all these have in common?

A: These are some of the ways incurably ill Victorians with profound suffering currently attempt to kill themselves because the law does not allow them to die in a manner of their own choice with dignity, medical supervision and the support of their loved ones.