Voluntary assisted dying: Is your practice ready?

The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2019 will come into effect on 1 July 2021 throughout Western Australia. The new legislation will offer a new alternative to patients suffering from a terminal illness.


What is voluntary assisted dying? According to WA Health, the idea behind this legislation is to give terminal patients access to medication and to enable them to legally choose how and when they want to die.

The new scheme will be available to all Australian citizens or permanent residents who have been living in Western Australia for the past 12 months and who are at least 18 years old.

Furthermore, according to official guidelines, the patient must:

  • Have at least one medical condition that is at an advanced stage, is progressive and will cause death within six to twelve months, depending on the condition;
  • Have a medical condition that is causing suffering that cannot be effectively relieved;
  • Be in full control of their decision-making capabilities;
  • Be acting voluntarily and without coercion;
  • Have an enduring request for access to voluntary assisted dying.

How does it work? Anyone wanting to access voluntary assisted dying will need to be independently assessed by two approved medical practitioners, who will determine their eligibility. The patient will also need to make three separate requests for voluntary assisted dying: a first request, a written declaration, and a final request. The written declaration must be witnessed by two approved persons.

The implementation process for the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act is still in progress for WA. To learn more about this new Act, whether you are a patient or a practitioner, head up to WA Health’s website. To receive updates about the implementation process, sign up here for official updates.