Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • A person in the late stages of advanced disease can ask for a medication that will bring about their death. In Victoria this is called voluntary assisted dying.
  • You can tell your doctor if you are thinking about voluntary assisted dying. You can also speak with the Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigators.
  • Not everyone is eligible and there are strict conditions. The law has safeguards that make sure that it is the person’s own decision.
  • There is an application process to receive a permit for voluntary assisted dying.
  • A person must ask their doctor three times if they want voluntary assisted dying. One of the requests must be in writing. Two doctors must agree the person meets the conditions for voluntary assisted dying.
  • You can change your mind at any time in the process. You do not have to take the medication.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 24-04-2024