Skip navigation

  1. Home
  2. FAQ
  3. Why do we need Voluntary Assisted Dying laws?
Why do we need Voluntary Assisted Dying laws? Isn’t palliative care enough? Does VAD only apply to those with a terminal illness? What if I cannot find a doctor to assist me? When should I start seeking assisted dying? Is there anything I can do to assist in the successful implementation of VAD? What do I do if I’m diagnosed with a terminal illness and my GP doesn’t even mention the option? How long does the process take from starting the VAD assessment to getting the medications? How do doctors assess capacity? What do I do if my doctors tell me I’m ineligible for VAD access? If I have Dementia, am I still eligible for Voluntary Assisted Dying care? My specialist told me I have more than 6 months to live but my pain and suffering is unmanageable. Am I eligible for VAD? What is the cost of VAD? If I receive VAD medication, am I able to ingest it interstate? I have the medication. What happens now? When can I take it? Must I have someone else there? What happens when, at the time of ingesting the VAD medication, I can no longer swallow it? What is stated on the death certificate about the cause of death?

Why do we need Voluntary Assisted Dying laws?

Answer

Voluntary Assisted Dying laws give a choice about end-of-life to competent adults suffering from a terminal or advanced incurable illness that creates intolerable, unrelievable suffering. Although palliative care provides a great deal of support and pain relief, in some cases it is simply not enough.

DWDV believes that voluntary assisted dying is a dignified and reasonable choice for people to make when their medical conditions result in untreatable and incurable suffering and pain. We also believe that simply having the choice of assisted dying can be of great psychological benefit.

Having a choice means having control. Many people dealing with traumatic illness and suffering feel they are losing control of their situation and their own self. End-of-life choices, which include Voluntary Assisted Dying, can restore a sense of agency over their own lives.

Share