Voluntary assisted dying in the Australian state of Victoria: an overview of challenges for clinical implementation

On 19 June 2019 the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017 (Vic) came into effect, making Victoria first state in Australia to permit practice of 'voluntary assisted dying'. As defined legislation, voluntary dying refers administration a substance and includes steps reasonably related such administration, for purpose causing person's death. In essence, model established is designed patients within final weeks or months life, who may receive medical-assistance 'choose manner timing their death'. The this paper overview clinical implementation Victoria, attending three broad challenges: balancing tensions policy goals ensuring legislated 'safeguards' function as intended, translating complex legislation practice, managing conscientious objection dying. While there somewhat limited information available regarding data anecdotal reports indicate state's has not been without challenges, particularly terms patient access dying, aspects practice. release more systematic by state, alongside independent research operation necessary better evaluate impact new component