A Landmark Moment: Long-Overdue Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill Passes in ACT
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has reached a significant milestone with the passage of the Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) bill. Starting late next year, Canberra residents will have the legal right to choose voluntary assisted dying, finally resolving a 25-year political impasse. This long-overdue legislation marks a crucial step forward in end-of-life care, reflecting a long-awaited recognition of the need for compassionate choices at life’s end. **Historical Context** For a quarter of a century, the ACT grappled with numerous challenges in legalizing voluntary assisted dying. The debate has been marked by ethical, moral, and legal complexities that delayed this critical reform. The passage of the VAD bill brings a sense of relief and progress to advocates and individuals who have been waiting for the right to make autonomous decisions about their end-of-life care. **Key Provisions of the Bill** The VAD bill introduces several critical criteria and safeguards designed to regul...