The Victorian Government will move to bring its euthanasia laws in line with other states by scrapping a “gag clause” that prevents doctors from initiating conversations about the option with their patients. Source: The Australian.
This follows the release of a five-year review into the operation of the scheme, which commenced in 2019, two years after Victoria became the first state to legislate voluntary assisted dying.
Since then, all other Australian jurisdictions except the Northern Territory have followed suit.
The review, tabled in Parliament yesterday, found that Victoria’s scheme was “operating as intended” and was providing “a safe and compassionate end-of-life choice” for Victorians who faced imminent death because of an incurable disease, illness or medical condition.
However, the review identifies several safeguards that “impede access, undermining patient-centred care”.
Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, who said the state’s laws needed updating to remain “fair”, confirmed the Government would move to scrap the ban on medical practitioners initiating discussions about voluntary assisted dying with their patients.
Ms Thomas said the Government would also look to expand the six-month life expectancy eligibility rule to 12 months, and to remove the requirement for a third medical opinion for patients with terminal neurodegenerative conditions.
The Government also proposes to require doctors who conscientiously object to euthanasia to provide minimum information to patients who raise the option.
The reforms, which are subject to consultation, are expected to be introduced to the Parliament later this year, with Labor MPs to be granted a conscience vote.
Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said the Opposition would wait to see the detail of the proposed reforms but confirmed Liberal and Nationals MPs would also be allowed a conscience vote.
Since 2019, 1282 Victorians have accessed VAD services.
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Victoria to remove ‘gag clause’ from voluntary assisted dying laws (By Lily McCaffrey, The Australian)
