Subject to stringent safeguards, this assistance would take the form of a lethal substance that the patient would administer to himself or herself or, in the case of severe physical disability, be assisted to take. 

PROPOSED SAFEGUARDS

To be eligible to receive assistance to die, a patient would need to:

• be at least 18 years old;

• be a resident of NSW;

• be suffering from a terminal illness, that is, one which will result in their death, and which is causing them severe pain, suffering or distress to an extent unacceptable to the patient;

• have been fully informed of the diagnosis and prognosis of their disease and all other options, including palliative care;

• have decision-making capacity and be making the decision freely, voluntarily and after due consideration;

• be examined by two independent medical practitioners who would both certify that the patient met the eligibility criteria;

• be assessed by an independent psychiatrist, and if necessary an independent social worker, to certify that they are fully informed of all medical options; able to make an informed decision; and are not under any duress from any quarter to make the request for assisted dying; and

• have an initial cooling off period of 72 hours between the original oral request and the signing of the written request.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The bill was introduced as a Private Member’s Bill in the NSW upper house (Legislative Council) on May 2 and was debated there on May 9.

There are still questions over whether it will be debated in its current form in the Legislative Assembly.

If it is debated, government and opposition MPs will be allowed a conscience vote instead of voting along party lines which is thought to give the bill a better chance of passing.

WHERE IS EUTHANASIA LEGAL?

• The Netherlands

• Belgium

• Luxembourg