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The most common diseases linked with voluntary assisted dying

More and more countries are legalising voluntary assisted dying. This lets a doctor, or sometimes a nurse practitioner, give life-ending medication to an eligible person who requests it.

As of 2023, 282 million people lived in regions where voluntary assisted dying is legal. Jurisdictions such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Oregon have had these laws in place for decades. Other countries, including Canada, Spain, New Zealand and Australia, have passed reforms more recently.

The trend towards legalisation is continuing. Several countries are actively considering this issue, with strong public support. In November, the United Kingdom’s House of Commons supported an assisted dying bill for the first time, after years of failed attempts.

Debates about voluntary assisted dying are often highly polarised. Understanding the factors driving assisted dying is essential for evidence-based debates and for improving care for people with serious conditions.

In a recent study, Dr Eliana Close and ACHLR Adjunct Professor Dr James Downar examined data from people accessing voluntary assisted dying in 20 jurisdictions around the world. In particular they looked at what diseases they had.

To find out more, visit QUT Real Focus.

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