More than 7,200 people in Australia have died through voluntary assisted dying (VAD) since the first laws took effect in Victoria in June 2019. VAD is legal in all states and the ACT (Northern Territory expected later). Criteria generally require a terminal illness expected to cause death within a defined period (often 6–12 months, longer for neurodegenerative conditions in some places), decision-making capacity, and suffering that the person finds intolerable.
A typical person accessing VAD is in their 70s, has terminal cancer, and is already receiving palliative care; slightly more men than women choose it. Many more people make first requests or receive permits than ultimately use the substance (some die of their illness first, change their minds, or otherwise do not proceed).
The Death Literacy Index (DLI) is a formal tool to measure community capacity around death and dying. Australia has robust palliative care, widespread voluntary assisted dying laws, public campaigns, and strong community-based approaches to end-of-life education. It consistently ranks near the top in international Quality of Death assessments.
How do you, and your country in general, rate in terms of understanding death care and preparedness for dying?
A typical person accessing VAD is in their 70s, has terminal cancer, and is already receiving palliative care; slightly more men than women choose it. Many more people make first requests or receive permits than ultimately use the substance (some die of their illness first, change their minds, or otherwise do not proceed).
The Death Literacy Index (DLI) is a formal tool to measure community capacity around death and dying. Australia has robust palliative care, widespread voluntary assisted dying laws, public campaigns, and strong community-based approaches to end-of-life education. It consistently ranks near the top in international Quality of Death assessments.
How do you, and your country in general, rate in terms of understanding death care and preparedness for dying?
