|
Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021
As many of you know the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 was introduced to the Parliament on 25 May 2021. This Bill has been referred to the Health and Environment Committee for detailed consideration and as your local MP I want to hear what you have to say about the Bill.
Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021
I know there are emotive responses on both sides of this debate and I don’t wish for you to convince me one way or the other, I would simply like to provide some information on the proposed Bill and ask for your opinion yes or no.
I have therefore provided a page on my website which I feel residents should know before casting their vote.
Link to Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021
A chronic illness that is not classed as terminal and will not cause death within 12 months will not be considered for VAD.
A medical practitioner must not initiate or discuss VAD as an option but only as part of treatment options and the likely outcome.
Medical practitioners have the right to support or refuse (and must refer on) requests.
Residents have expressed a few concerns about the legislation which are as follows:
The Bill does not have provision for the safe storage of a self-administering life ending substances. Concerns have been raised over the fear an accidental tragedy could occur. For example, it was raised with me of a child accidentally ingesting the substance.
No provision has been made in this Bill for any mental wellbeing assistance for medical practitioners who participate in the life ending process. We need to keep in mind VAD is considered by some as being in direct violation of the Hippocratic oath.
Many residents have also raised the need for a massive funding boost for Palliative care in Queensland to make those nearing the end of their life a more dignified experience.
Link to Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021
The process to apply for Voluntary Assisted Dying is:
- A terminally ill person must make the first request to a medical practitioner. The medical practitioner will make an assessment of eligibility or if medical practitioner has a conscientious objection, they must refer the request to another medical practitioner.
- If a medical practitioner agrees to the request, they must refer the matter to another practitioner for second opinion to determine eligibility.
- For those who have limited communication abilities a speech pathologist must be engaged to translate for the individual.
- In addition, a speech pathologist may be requested to determine the intent of the individual if required.
- Upon completion of this first request, the eligible person may make a second request in writing if they wish to continue with VAD. This request must be signed and witnessed by 2 independent witnesses. (Witnesses cannot benefit or believe they will benefit from the death of the person, be medical practitioners who approve the person’s VAD request or health facility manager / owner where the person is being treated.)
- The third and final request must be made by the person directly to the first medical practitioner who has certified the individual has cognitive decision-making capacity and they have made their decision without coercion.
- Upon completion of the final request, they will be given a life ending substance to be self-administered or administered by a health practitioner.
Link to Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021
A person will only be eligible to access volunteering assisted dying if:
- An individual has been diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition, illness or disease that is progressive and will cause death within 12 months. (Terminal illness).
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Have cognitive capacity to make informed decisions.
- Strictly voluntary without coercion.
- Be a Queensland resident for at least 12 months before the first request is made unless there has been exemption granted.
- You must be a Australian Citizen or permanent resident who has resided here for at least a 3 years period to request VAD.
* A person can at anytime end their request for VAD by not proceeding.
|
CONTACT US
