VICTORIA has become the first state in Australia to legalise euthanasia. The state鈥檚 parliament passed the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill last week after more than 100 hours of debate.
鈥淭his will give people in Victoria the compassion and dignity they deserve at the end of their lives鈥�
From June 2019, terminally ill people in Victoria who are over the age of 18 will be able to request a lethal drug to end their lives. A medical assessment will be required to confirm that they are expected to live for less than six months. If someone鈥檚 request is approved, they will have to administer the drug themselves, unless they are physically unable to do so.
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The legislation includes 68 safeguards to prevent foul play, such as criminal offences to stop vulnerable people from being coerced into ending their lives.
The move gives Victorians 鈥渢he compassion and dignity they deserve at the end of their lives鈥�, says Daniel Andrews, the premier of Victoria.
An 18-month period will now kick off to work out the details of implementing the legislation, including the type of drug that will be prescribed.
Other states and territories in Australia will be watching Victoria closely. A similar bill failed to pass the New South Wales parliament by a single vote last month.
Euthanasia or assisted suicide is already legal in several places, including Germany and some US states.
This article appeared in print under the headline 鈥淓uthanasia bill鈥�
