Dignity and choice hold great significance in life's final chapter. For those with serious illnesses, having control over their final moments can offer comfort.

Advocates are now calling for a compassionate policy shift to address this sensitive issue.

Such a change aims to provide greater peace of mind during an incredibly difficult time.

The Australian Medical Association's (AMA) plea is straightforward yet profound: allow terminally ill patients to receive advice on voluntary assisted dying through telehealth services.

This request comes regardless of whether Anthony Albanese or Peter Dutton is at the helm post-election.

The call for change is not about politics but patient care and equality.

The Australian Medical Association urged the next federal government to amend the criminal code for telehealth VAD advice. Credit: YouTube

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Currently, under the criminal code, it is illegal to use a carriage service, such as phone or internet, to promote suicide.

This includes voluntary assisted dying services, as confirmed by a Federal Court ruling in 2023.

Consequently, doctors risk criminal charges if they provide voluntary assisted dying (VAD) advice via telehealth, email, or phone consultations.

This legal barrier disproportionately affects Australians in rural and regional areas, who may find themselves forced to undertake arduous journeys to cities for medical services.

AMA president Danielle McMullen emphasised the plight of these individuals, noting that the ban also 'disadvantages patients who are physically unable to travel for face-to-face consultations, even at relatively short distances, due to their medical condition.'

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The AMA's stance is clear: the next government must ensure that all eligible patients have equal access to the end-of-life planning they choose.

This is not a new issue; the problems with the current legislation are well-known to the federal government.

In 2024, independent MP Kate Chaney introduced a private member’s bill to rewrite the criminal code to accommodate VAD services via telehealth, but it failed to gain traction.

The code, established in 2005 to combat cyberbullying, now stands as an obstacle to those seeking a peaceful and dignified end to their suffering.

Since the code's inception, every Australian state has introduced laws permitting voluntary assisted dying, with Victoria leading the way in 2019.

Western Australia, Queensland, NSW, Tasmania, and South Australia followed suit.

By late 2025, the Northern Territory will remain the only jurisdiction without a VAD scheme when it becomes available in the ACT.

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The AMA's latest policy position results from extensive consultation with its members, state and territory offices, councils, committees, and Palliative Care Australia. Dr McMullen stresses the importance of maintaining a strong focus on palliative care and the right to conscientious objection.

She asserted, 'It is imperative that governments appropriately fund and resource palliative care throughout Australia. No patient should ever explore VAD because they are unable to access timely, quality palliative care.'

This issue touches on the very essence of what it means to live—and die—with dignity.

As our society evolves, so too must our laws to reflect the values of compassion and choice.

The AMA's call for change is not just a plea for legal reform; it's a call to honor the wishes of those at life's end.

For those among us who may be grappling with these difficult decisions or facing the pain of depression, remember that support is available.

Lifeline can be reached at 13 11 14, and Beyondblue offers assistance at 1300 224 636.

Your GP, local health professional, or a trusted friend can provide guidance and support.

Key Takeaways

• The Australian Medical Association is urging the next federal government to amend the criminal code to permit doctors to provide voluntary assisted dying (VAD) advice through telehealth services.
• Currently, doctors risk criminal charges for advising on VAD via telehealth, email, or phone due to a ruling that the prohibition of promoting suicide extends to VAD services.
• The AMA president highlighted the importance of allowing remote consultations, particularly for rural, regional, and physically incapacitated Australians needing end-of-life planning.
• Independent MP Kate Chaney attempted to change the criminal code with a private member's bill, but it was unsuccessful; every Australian state except the Northern Territory has legalised euthanasia.

What are your thoughts on the proposed changes to VAD laws? How do you feel about the use of telehealth in facilitating end-of-life choices? Share your perspectives in the comments below.

 

[Dawn Fryett 4865]

I totally agree assisted dying should be allowed for those whose end of life is nothing but pain, my own father was in so much poain and received no help from the DR. because he was unable to ask for help due to the fact he couldn't talk due to Cancer in throat, young stupid Dr. didn't ask if he needed anything for pain, so he was left to die in excruciting pain until I arrived from overseas and made the Dr, give him some relief, the last words my father said was thank you he died shortly afterwards,

 

[IAN3005]

VAD should be available to ALL people without the hoops you have to jump through.
Under the current system, you have to be almost at death's door.

 

[Towing]

Apparently some patients become immune to pain relief and suffer to the end.
A friend of ours worked in Palliatve Care. She never agreed with assistance to die until she witnessed the pain and suffering their patients suffered and they had strong hearts so that prolonged suffering and no quality of life at all

 

[Mr Chips]

Our precious lives belong to us; it is, therefore, our choice what to do with them. It should not matter what anyone else thinks about how we might handle it, so we should be given the facility to end it if we so choose.

 

[Koda]

Palliative care needs wider availability for rural patient, so does assisted dying people should be able to choose when there’s absolutely no hope of recovery and they are experiencing terrible pain should be their life their choices. To sit and watch someone suffer is soul destroying

 

[Teddy is my boy]

Was discussing this with my GP recently. His answer……… l became a doctor to save lives, not end them.
I don’t agree with him.

 

[Abbie70]

Medical care includes "relieve suffering". This must be between Dr and Patient confidentiality. No body else's business. VAD must be considered a human right.