In the days before Christmas, Western Australia became the
second state in Australia to legalise voluntary assisted dying.
More than 180 hours were spent debating the legislation in
parliament, but under the final laws, terminally ill adults in pain
and likely to have less than six months to live – or one year
if they have a neurodegenerative condition – will be able to
take a drug to end their lives if approved by two medical
practitioners.
The scheme is expected to be implemented across the state in
about 18 months' time.
Under the proposed laws, to be eligible a person would have to
be terminally ill with a condition that is causing 'intolerable
suffering' and is likely to cause death within six months, or
12 months for a neurodegenerative condition.
