EUTHANASIA BILL HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR EFFECTIVE WHOLE-OF-LIFE PAIN MANAGEMENT

Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying bill has made it the first jurisdiction on the brink of legalising voluntary euthanasia for the terminally ill. It will also allow people with conditions such as motor neurone disease and Multiple Sclerosis to access the scheme in their final 12 months of life.

A conscience vote for all MPs, it was motivated by giving dignity to the dying and empowering them with the opportunity to end unbearable pain and suffering in their lives.

By the time people reach palliative care, one of the primary objectives is to manage pain to relieve suffering and achieve a dignified death. However, according to palliative care physicians, there will always be a small minority of people whose suffering cannot be relieved.

There are also some who do not choose treatment. However, there are some who are unable to access high-quality palliative care, and this highlights an important access problem.

Recently the Australian Government announced more than $60 million for new projects that will help improve quality and access to palliative care.