Victoria is on the cusp of becoming the first state in Australia to allow terminally-ill people to end their lives.
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Andrews government debates assisted dying
Victoria is considering legalising voluntary euthanasia, and much parliamentary debate is expected. Vision courtesy Seven News Melbourne
On Friday, an expert panel released its report with a raft of recommendations about the proposed laws and how they would work.
How would euthanasia work?
A person would have to make three separate requests to end their life and initiate the process themselves.
That would include a first request to a medication practitioner, followed by two assessments for eligibility.
The patient would then have to make a written declaration of "enduring request" and, following that, a final request.
How long would the process take?
Ten days would have to pass between a person's first verbal request and their final verbal request.
The panel believes this would allow enough time for a person to ensure their wish to end their life is "well-considered" but does not unnecessarily prolong suffering.
How would the lethal drug be administered?
The drugs would be provided by pharmacists in a locked box. For most people, the drugs would be self-administered, but there would be exceptions for people who are unable to take it themselves.
Medical practitioners would be allowed to administer the drugs to those who are unable to take them independently.
Nobody else would be permitted to administer the drugs.
The panel believes that for some patients just knowing they can access the lethal medication would provide some comfort.
Who would be eligible?
Anyone eligible to end their life would have to be over 18 years of age, live in Victorian and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
They would have to be diagnosed with an incurable disease or condition that is expected to cause death within 12 months, with intolerable suffering that cannot be relieved.
Who would oversee the process?
Two medical professionals would conduct assessments of a person's eligibility for euthanasia. At least one of those medical practitioners must have expertise in the person's disease, illness or medical condition.
The panel has recommended that a health practitioner be present in the final moment, should the patient request it.
How would the process protect people from being pressured to end their lives?
Under the recommendations, it would be illegal to compel a person through dishonesty or undue influence to request access to euthanasia or to self-administer the lethal drugs.
It would also be an offence to administer the lethal dose to a person who lacks decision-making capacity.
What checks and balances would be in place?
A voluntary assisted-dying review board would be established to review each assessment that has been approved and ensure that laws have been observed.
The board would refer breaches to the police, coroner or the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
The panel has also recommended that the laws be reviewed after five years.
What would happen if someone were to change their mind?
A person would be allowed to withdraw at any moment. But if a patient decided to continue with the process after initially backing out, they would have to start the process again from the beginning.
If the proposed law does get through parliament, when will it come into effect?
The panel has recommended an 18-month period between passing the laws and the regime's commencement.
What about doctors with a moral objection to helping someone end their life?
Doctors would be under no compulsion to participate in euthanasia under the panel's recommendations.
Any health practitioner can "conscientiously object" to participating in any part of the euthanasia process. But they would not be allowed to impede someone's access to the regime.
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