The APS welcomed the recent opportunity to respond to the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 (The Bill). This current submission builds upon the key recommendations made in previous submissions.
The APS supports a compassionate and safe assisted dying framework, whereby voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is available as part of a full range of care options, including the highest quality palliative care and the most competent psychological assessment and psychosocial support.
It is important to acknowledge that the APS neither supports nor opposes VAD, but advocates a best practice approach to end-of-life care. Critically, this involves patients fully understanding the alternatives and the main ramifications of their decisions. The APS emphasises the importance of a process that is characterised by care, compassion and considered decision-making over time.
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