Voluntary assisted dying (VAD), is legal in all Australian states except the Northern Territory. It was first legalised in 2017 after over 60 failed bills.

The person must have a disease or illness that is advanced, progressive, and expected to cause death within a certain time frame, must be experiencing intolerable suffering and must meet the eligibility criteria for their state.

My state has a ‘gag law’ that prohibits medical staff initiating a conversation about voluntary assisted dying with a patient.

It’s not a situation that anybody ever wants to be in, but knowing that should the worst happen, relief is possible can be a big comfort.