Last Words: Voluntary Assisted Dying

For years, the topic of Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) has sent moral and ethical ripples through Australian political, civil and personal debate. Since VAD legislation came into effect in Victoria in June 2019, more than one hundred people have received legal and medical assistance to die.
In this important panel discussion at the Malthouse Outdoor Stage, we’ll hear from medical and legal experts and those whose lives are impacted by the controversial legislation, including broadcaster and VAD advocate Andrew Denton, The Hon. Betty King QC, Chair of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board and oncologist Dr Phillip Parente.. Hot on the tail of the second season of Denton’s podcast, Better Off Dead (co-produced by Go Gentle Australia and the Wheeler Centre), they’ll discuss the personal, political and societal dimensions of VAD, the impact of the Victorian legislation, and the current and future status of VAD across the country. Hosted by Paul Barclay.
Content warning: This event includes discussion of death, euthanasia and terminal illness. This event is not about suicide. If you are interested in increasing your understanding of suicide and how to support someone experiencing suicidal ideation, visit www.conversationsmatter.com.au or www.beyondblue.org.au

[@MrZakatista]

It’s not the doctors and nurses that are caring for the aged and chronically ill, it’s usually (economically exploited) home health and nursing aides. Hospice (at least in NYC) is having a home health with and a bag of oxycodone called a “comfort kit”. Most people are incontinent for years before dying, and often bed bound (inevitably with infected pressure sores). No doctors or nurses.

[@bullterror5]

WATCHOUT AUSTRALIA, THIS IVAN MILAT WILL SKIN YA CAT! 💥

[@mrpolsco6872]

I would like us to take a moment to acknowledge Faraday, Edison and Tesla for their contribution to the invention we all take for granted ….electricity and to John Baird the father of Television their descendants past and present for enabling us to watch this program and to the millions of hardworking Australians past and present who by their toil and taxes paid have Funded this Broadcaster.

[@sinndin]

Most doctors joined the profession to save the lives of their patients. Most doctors would feel quite uncomfortable about performing an intervention that would directly result in the death of their patient. Clinician assisted suicide is contrary to the Oath of Geneva and is at odds with the position taken by the Australian Medical Association.

[@maureenmichalanney7746]

as elderly people in cases waste away .... refuse to eat and drink, can't move or toilet themselves ..... home nurses as in my mothers case give them morphine as required and in time morphine slows down the body .... so drs are not comfortable with helping people dying that is exactly what happens, they dull the process .... why is it not kinder to simply help the person go if they want to, making yourself comfortable if you are a dr is not providing a service to your patient but to yourself and controlling the process so you feel good about it