Terminally ill patients being refused access to voluntary assisted dying by doctors who object their wishes

The terminally ill are being refused access to legal euthanasia by doctors who “conscientiously object” to their patients’ wishes.

WA’s voluntary assisted dying laws were passed in 2019 but some medics who disagree continue to refuse to allow their patients access.

A review of the laws, tabled in State Parliament on Thursday, revealed 738 people have accessed VAD since July 2021, with a 14.5 per cent increase in deaths recorded in 2023-24.

But the review panel and the Health Department’s End of Life Care team reported “conscientious objection” by some doctors has been “undermining” the Act.

“This has resulted in people eligible for voluntary assisted dying not receiving adequate support,” the report said.

It recommended the Government act “as a priority” to review guidelines for clinical information to be provided when requested.

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has accepted the panel’s 10 recommendations, which aimed to improve access and support.

“As everyone in this place knows, this VAD legislation is close to my heart,” she said in Parliament.

“I’m proud to say this Government will continue to ensure this Act works as effectively as possible for the benefit of the West Australian community.

“Overall, the VAD Act has been a success in its first few years of operation.”

The panel also raised concerns that some dying patients are not aware of VAD options, and that access is more difficult in regional WA.

“Many stakeholders reported that regional patients face significant challenges like travelling long distances to attend medical appointments,” the report said.

“Other issues noted included higher costs, longer delays and greater difficulty in finding a co-ordinating practitioner.”

Out of 114 medical and nurse practitioners who have completed training, almost 30 per cent were practising in regional areas.

The Minister has agreed to lobby the Federal Government to introduce Medicare benefits for voluntary assisted dying, to improve “timely access” and funding for GP training.