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.

Dr Sarah Pickstock, a West Australian palliative care specialist, has supported many patients through the VAD process. She says its intimacy and impact shouldn’t be underestimated.

Melbourne oncologist Dr Phillip Parente, a one-time conscientious objector, says he now feels comfortable with offering patients assistance to die. 'I believe it's the right thing to do'.

Victorian physician James Hurley says working as a VAD doctor has enabled him to give back to the community in a way he did not anticipate

Fiona Jane manages a community hospice in Western Australia’s Great Southern region. She explains how the choice of voluntary assisted dying is bringing comfort to the people in her care.

Phil Browne is a registered nurse, palliative care worker and paramedic. Over 40 years, he provided end-of-life care to about 2,000 Queensland patients, witnessing what he calls intolerable suffering. 

Lydia*, a nurse of more than 30 years, has watched as countless people die. She is urging Queensland legislators to “listen to the pleas of everyday people”, so terminally ill people have a legal option to end their suffering.

"Even if one dying person suffers unnecessarily, it is one too many."

What if you could have a beautiful death? Free from suffering, in control and with your family around you?

I graduated from medical school 40 years ago. Increasingly I have seen divisiveness amongst medical practitioners caused by the ambiguities of the law regarding alleviation of suffering for the terminally ill.