Voluntary Assisted Dying for dementia the most common enquiry
- Queensland petition: Calls for VAD access for dementia
- Go Gentle: Dementia remains most common VAD question
- Research underway: QUT exploring future dementia VAD models
- Law reform: Debate expected to continue despite legal complexities
A petition handed to the Queensland Government has sparked debate about Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) for people living with dementia.
In May, the family of Queensland farmer Rod Keys submitted a petition to Queensland Government showing community support for making VAD available to people with incurable, progressive and terminal diseases, such as dementia.
Keys died in 2015 after living with dementia for eight years.
The petition has garnered 6,505 signatures, and asks the Queensland Government to do “all in its power” to make VAD available to people afflicted with incurable debilitating diseases.
The petition proposes the person’s wish could be recorded in an Advanced Health Directive (AHD), which could indicate the quality of life stage they would wish to access VAD. The AHD could also identify a representative to action the wish.
“Many disappointed dementia excluded”
The issue is on the radar of VAD advocates, Go Gentle.
“The question we hear most often from the community is whether people with dementia can access VAD,” Go Gentle CEO Dr Linda Swan told The Weekly SOURCE.
“Many are genuinely surprised and disappointed to learn that dementia is excluded under existing VAD laws.
“We understand the concern. Dementia is a progressive, terminal illness and now the leading cause of death in Australia.
“It is a disease that causes profound distress for individuals, their families, friends and carers.
“The community has made it clear they want us to take action on VAD and dementia, and Go Gentle is committed to supporting and advancing that work.”
Dr Swan acknowledges VAD for dementia is “ethically and legally complex”, but points out research is already underway in the area.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is conducting an Exploratory Study on Voluntary Assisted Dying and Dementia in Australia. The project will identify possible legislative models for VAD for people with dementia, and will provide a foundation for policy debates and future law reform.
Existing laws being progressed
Go Gentle is also focused on improving existing VAD laws, including removing barriers to accessing VAD and working to see VAD laws passed in the Northern Territory, the only jurisdiction in Australia without the legislation in place.
If this story has raised concerns for you or someone you know, support is available. Contact Dementia Australia on 1800 100 500, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Grief Australia on 1800 642 066.
