Dying With Dignity
At least 80% of Australians believe that individuals should have the right to choose a peaceful death when suffering is unrelievable and death inevitable. It's a difficult choice for anyone to make but right now the only legal option for those who can't handle the suffering any longer is unregulated suicide or refusing food, water and treatment. There are more humane options that make unavoidable and horrible circumstances easier for the individual, and their loved ones.
On May 2, the Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill is being introduced by The Greens to the NSW Legislative Council. We've been in discussion with our friends at Dying with Dignity www.dwdnsw.org.au but before we proceed with the campaign we need to hear from you.
Please complete the short survey on the right and let us know how you feel about this campaign. We've attached some material for your own information below, but feel free to do your own reading and research.
What is 'assisted dying'?
Assisted dying refers to a compentent person being provided with the means and knowledge to end his or her life.
'Assisted dying' is different from non-voluntary euthanasia. Non-voluntary euthanasia refers to where the person is not capable of making an informed decision to end their life. This is not what we are referring to.
Why is GetUp getting involved in this issue?
Assisted dying is an issue, which many of our members have told us, matters deeply to them.
Nearly 150,000 people die in Australia each year, with more than half of those deaths occuring in hospitals in painful and undignified circumstances.
Australia's ageing population is living longer and longer thank to advancements medical science. However, this doesn't necessarily make death any more peaceful and in some cases, only prolongs the process of dying.
Why isn't good palliative care enough?
Even in world class facilities, palliative care is not always able to reduce suffering. Pain is not always relievable, and it is just one of many symptoms that people may suffer during the end of life stage. Other symptoms include weakness, disability, incontinence, severe constipation, agitation, insomnia, difficulty swallowing, psychological distress and loss of dignity.
In addition, many people do not want to go into palliative care. They would prefer to die at home, surrounded by their loved ones. When suffering and indignity are likely to go on for a long time, with death the inevitable result, people should have the choice of ending their life.
This issue doesn't only affect those dying from terminal illnesses, but also their friends, relatives and the medical staff who care for them.
The final constitutional bill can be found here
Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill
Summary of the bill
The Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill would ensure that a patient who has a terminal illness and who is experiencing unacceptable pain or suffering can receive assistance to end their life if that is their wish.
This assistance would take the form of the provision of a substance that the patient would themselves administer, or, in the case of severe physical disability, be provided assistance to administer.
To receive assistance, patients must meet strict criteria. The patient would need to:
- be at least 18 years old;
- be suffering from a terminal illness that is causing severe pain or distress unacceptable to the patient;
- be fully mentally capable and able to make informed decisions;
- be a resident of NSW;
- have been fully informed of the diagnosis and prognosis of their disease and other options, including palliative care.
The process would involve a number of stringent safeguards including:
- The patient would have to be examined by two medical practitioners who would certify that the patient met the eligibility criteria.
- A psychiatrist would have to certify the patient was able to make an informed decision, and was not under any duress to make the request for assisted dying. A qualified social worker may also be consulted during this assessment.
- It would be a requirement that none of the health professionals involved (or their close associates) stood to receive any financial benefit from the patient's death.
- There would be severe criminal penalties for coercion of the patient or any of the doctors by another party.
- The patient can change their mind at any stage of the process.
- No health professionals would be compelled to participate in an assisted dying process.
- A review process would be established to oversee the process and to ensure compliance. This body will provide an annual report to parliament.
- The drugs used in the assisted dying process will be subject to strict storage and supply rules.