I am encouraging people to have their say on the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2017.
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Later this year, a Bill about voluntary assisted dying will be debated in State Parliament. For various reasons, this is an uncomfortable, emotional and complex subject for many people and I’d like to hear your thoughts on the matter.
I have met with a number of local residents on this subject so I know only too well the passion that some people have on this very sensitive topic.
While I have my personal views, I am very keen to hear from many others about their thoughts, positive or negative. I have put a survey on my webpage so more people can have their say, and I hope you do.
If it’s passed by Parliament, the Bill provides a legislative framework for patients with a terminal illness in NSW to request and receive help ending their lives with dignity, at a time and place of their choosing.
This will give more options to those who have made peace, yet find themselves in seemingly interminable pain. The Bill will be tempered with protections to prevent abuse, and ensure it’s only used in the right cases.
To be eligible, a patient must be older than 25, live in NSW and have a condition that would prove terminal within a year. If they pass those criteria, they need to undergo a series of checks from qualified doctors, specialists and mental health professionals.
If they have made an informed decision, after a seven day waiting period they can have help ending their life in a controlled and compassionate manner. The patient can change their mind at any stage. There are severe penalties imposed on people who try to influence the decision of the patient or medical practitioners involved.
A full copy of the legislation is available online, with options for readers to share their feedback at lesliewilliams.com.au/survey. The Bill is expected to go before Parliament in the spring sitting.