The potential harm to patients caused by some health care facilities refusing to provide VAD is one of the key issues identified in a statutory review of WA’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2019.

While the review panel found the Act had been successful in facilitating end-of-life choice, it made 10 recommendations, including improving patient access to VAD that may be hindered by institutional conscientious objection.

The recommendations also aim to address gaps in awareness, education, regional access and workforce sustainability.  

To meet increased requests for voluntary assisted dying in Western Australia, the independent review board has called for a more sustainable service to avoid practitioner “burnout and fatigue”.

A Commonwealth law that discourages the use of telehealth for voluntary assisted dying is having devastating consequences for some dying Australians. Barry Woodbury was one of them.

Fleur's mum, Claire, chose VAD in 2021 supported by her 100 year old mother, Margaret, who was by her side. Now almost 102, Margaret is frail, deaf, and virtually blind. Having seen the “perfect death” of her daughter, she wants the same for herself.

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.

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.

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.

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."

My Nana, Elvie Holly, taught me so many things – she was the beating heart of our spiritual and cultural link back to our Yamatiji Badimia people and our country. If there is one thing our Aboriginal culture and traditions hold deeply it is the desire to pass away with dignity on country. 

My family has been decimated: Three generations, and more than a dozen people who carry the c9orf72 gene for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).