What is voluntary assisted dying? 

·         Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is a legal end of life choice that supports a person to choose the manner, timing and nature of their death when they meet specific criteria.

·     To be able to use VAD, a person must already be dying and are expected to die soon. 

·     The person is always in charge of their VAD journey. They can choose to pause or stop at any time.

·     When a person has completed the required steps and is eligible, this does not expire. 

·     A person must be able to make decisions about VAD up until they choose to use it - if they ever do.

·     VAD is available in all states of Australia, but the laws are different in each state.

Who is eligible for voluntary assisted dying? 

·         To be eligible in Western Australia, you must meet all the specific criteria during the assessment process and when you die with VAD.

   ·      The criteria are that the person is:

·     18 years or older.

·    An Australian citizen or permanent resident.

·   Ordinarily resident in WA for at least 12 months. 

·   Diagnosed with at least one disease, illness or medical condition that is advanced, progressive and is expected on the balance of probability (more likely than not) to cause death within 6 months or, for a neurodegenerative condition (like motor neurone disease), within 12 months.

·  Experiencing suffering cannot be relieved in a way the person considers tolerable.  

·  Capable of making decisions in relation to voluntary assisted dying.

·  Acting of their own free will (voluntarily and without force, influence or persuasion).

·  Enduring in their request for VAD (that it continues over a period of time).