State moves to bin assisted dying ‘gag’ on doctors

[Pelican Press 0]

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State moves to bin assisted dying ‘gag’ on doctors

Doctors will no longer be muzzled from initiating voluntary assisted dying conversations with terminally ill patients under long-called-for law changes.

A “gag clause” that banned Victorian practitioners from initiating a discussion on voluntary assisted dying (VAD) with patients would be lifted under government-led legislation.

Other proposed law changes include lifting the six-month life expectancy rule for non-neurodegenerative diseases to 12 months, shortening the time between the first and final VAD requests and simplifying the permit process.

“While our ***********-first voluntary assisted dying laws are giving Victorians the dignity of making their own decisions about the timing and manner of their death – we know we need to update them to ensure they remain fair,” Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said.

The moves follow a legislated five-year review into the laws, tabled in state parliament on Thursday, that found some safeguards were impeding access to the end-of-life choice.

“Currently, pockets of resistance and unclear guidance for health and care organisations and individual health practitioners can delay or create a barrier to access VAD,” said the report.

Victoria became the first state to legalise euthanasia in 2019, with Western Australia, Queensland, NSW, Tasmania and South Australia following suit.

Since enacted, 1282 Victorians have died by euthanasia.

A peer-reviewed study in July 2023 found the gag on doctors was a barrier for patients.

Former premier Daniel Andrews had repeatedly said the government would not pursue changes.

The report made five recommendations, including to provide more guidance for health practitioners and health and care services.

Enhanced community awareness of VAD and grief and bereavement supports, considering enhancements to statewide service models to cope with future demand and pushing for more federal support for VAD were among the other suggestions.

All have been accepted by the government.

The changes will improve access and support for people seeking VAD, Dying With Dignity Victoria president Jane Morris said.

There have been no reports of ineligible people getting access to assisted-dying drugs, the review said.

It included interviews and focus groups with 119 stakeholders, analysing 303 survey responses and 257 written submissions.

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