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NSW voluntary assisted dying laws

Staff WritersAAP
Terminally ill people over 18 in NSW will be able to access voluntary assisted dying.
Camera IconTerminally ill people over 18 in NSW will be able to access voluntary assisted dying. Credit: AAP

NSW is the last state in Australia to legalise voluntary assisted dying for the terminally ill.

WHAT IT MEANS:

* People wanting VAD must be 18 or older, with a terminal illness that doctors believe will cause death within six months

* For people with a terminal neurodegenerative disease, the diagnosis for death is within 12 months

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* The illness must be causing the person intolerable suffering that cannot be relieved

* The patient must have the capacity to choose to voluntarily end their life

* The decision must be taken voluntarily, with no duress or pressure, including coercion, intimidation, threats and undue influence

* People with a terminal diagnosis must comply with a rigorous set of rules around consulting with a doctor, seeking a second validating opinion, making a final written request as well as multiple other stages of approval.

* There are offences for misusing VAD, unauthorised administering of prescribed substances as well as obligations relating to the disposal of prescribed substances.

* A VAD board will be established to keep records and monitor data related to how VAD is being used.

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