The purpose of the association is to relieve distress, helplessness and suffering for Victorians with untreatable, painful or terminal illnesses.
We encourage all Victorians to complete an Advance Care Directive and appoint a Medical Treatment Decision Maker, and will provide specific education and advice in this regard.
In achieving its purpose, the association:
- supports end-of-life choices for beneficiaries, and provides support to their families and carers;
- provides information, education and advice related to end-of-life choices to support those referred to above and the broader Victorian community;
- monitors and reports on outcomes and effects of end-of-life legislation and the quality of services provided for end-of-life care.
Dying With Dignity Victoria played a key role in securing end-of-life choice legislation in 2017, which was a remarkable achievement. Victorians would never have been able to access a Voluntary Assisted Death if not for the high level of support from the Victorian community, and the tireless efforts of our DWDV members and supporters.
Our focus now is to provide on-going information, education and guidance to the Victorian community and the health sector regarding various medical and legal aspects of the law, so that all Victorians can choose to have a good, dignified death.
We will monitor and report on the outcomes achieved by the implementation of this legislation and the quality of services provided by end-of-life care.
Dying With Dignity Victoria is a member of the World Federation of Right to Die Societies.
We also collaborate with similar organisations around Australia:
- Dying with Dignity New South Wales
- Dying With Dignity Queensland
- Dying with Dignity Western Australia
- Northern Territory Voluntary Euthanasia Society
- Voluntary Assisted Dying South Australia
You can support our work by donating, joining DWDV as a member or leaving a bequest.