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Pages tagged "Filter:A peaceful death"

One family's long journey to a peaceful death

VAD has been available in South Australia since January 2023. But the law came too late for some. Sarah Gilbert tells the story of accompanying her father, David, to Switzerland. 

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A full life and a peaceful ending

Yvonne ‘Bonnie’ Roberts lived the fullest possible life, making significant contributions to her community in Tasmania during her 97 years.

Mentally sharp, she wanted to be in control until the end. That's what Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) gave her.

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'It was just us as a family'

Pauline McGrath spoke at Go Gentle’s State of VAD report launch about the assisted death of her husband, Dr David Levitt, in 2023. This is an edited extract of her speech.

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A legacy of love and compassion

Professor Arnold Gillespie was a driving force behind the push for a voluntary assisted dying law in South Australia. When he became terminally ill, he applied for VAD himself. Here, Arnold's wife Debra tells his story.

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It just felt like she was sleeping

I’m so proud of my mum for so many things. I’m proud that she chose this option of a peaceful, dignified death. If I end up with a terminal illness, I’ll be going the same way, writes Dana Lewis.

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The first time I examined my beliefs and provided an assisted death

Having previously been against assisted dying, New Zealand specialist GP Jo Scott-Jones describes the immense privilege of helping someone die in the way they want, and offers insight into the personal and professional considerations involved.

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'Loving, calm and tranquil'

Suffering intolerably with terminal lung and bowel cancer, 78-year-old Irene Bizon was one of the first Queenslanders to use the state’s voluntary assisted dying law.

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Stephen had a peaceful death

In 2021, my husband of 35 years, Stephen, became one of the first people to use Western Australia’s Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) law. I hope sharing our story will help break the stigma that still surrounds VAD – and support other families going through the process.

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Assisted dying 'gave Alex his life back'

Victoria's Voluntary Assisted Dying law relieved 28-year-old Alex Blain's biggest fear - dying of cancer. And, to him, that was the same as saving his life. 

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'Eternally thankful"

Aboriginal woman Mary-Ellen Passmore was one of first people to use Western Australia's voluntary assisted dying law. She told her carers: “It is terrifying being trapped by your own body and it’s a relief to know there will be an end to my suffering."

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