From Abc · · 1m 30s
Western Australia's assisted dying law far exceeds predictions
Voluntary assisted dying accounted for 2.9 per cent of deaths in WA last year, far higher than expected when the law began in 2021, straining the small pool of authorised doctors.
In brief
Voluntary assisted dying accounted for 2.9 per cent of deaths in WA last year, far higher than expected when the law began in 2021, straining the small pool of authorised doctors. Voluntary assisted dying accounted for five hundred and forty-one deaths in Western Australia in twenty twenty-five to twenty twenty-six…
VAD deaths far exceed predictions
Voluntary assisted dying accounted for five hundred and forty-one deaths in Western Australia in twenty twenty-five to twenty twenty-six, representing two point nine percent of all deaths in the state.
Uptake has grown dramatically since 2021
The annual report found uptake is far higher than predicted when the law began in July twenty twenty-one.
“In the twenty five slash twenty six year, we had five hundred and forty-one deaths, which is about a twelve percent increase on the previous year, and about a one hundred and eighty-one percent increase since we started the whole process five years ago.”
Growing awareness driving the increase
Colin Holt says the increase is likely due to more people becoming aware that VAD is an option if they have a terminal diagnosis.
Eight doctors performed half of all deaths
The annual report notes that eight doctors did fifty-three percent of all practitioner-administered deaths last year.
“The feedback we get from practitioners is that it's an incredibly rewarding field to be participating in.”
Board considers relaxing time restrictions
Colin Holt said the board is looking at whether current time restrictions are too restrictive.
Debate over extending VAD to dementia
Stephen Walker, president of Dying with Dignity WA, wants the legislation extended to allow people with dementia to access VAD using advance health directives, citing Quebec's model.
“I don't think we've completely solved the issue around retaining decision-making capacity throughout the whole process.”
The headline
Voluntary assisted dying accounted for five hundred and forty-one deaths in Western Australia in twenty twenty-five to twenty twenty-six, nearly three percent of all deaths, far exceeding predictions from when the law began in July twenty twenty-one.
