Assisted Suicide Legalized in South Australia
'Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill' passes state's parliament on 17th attempt
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South Australia has passed historic legislation that makes assisted suicide legal in the state, according to reports.
People wishing to end their lives will be able to legally access voluntary euthanasia services after the South Australian parliament passed the new law.
The Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill was put to a conscience vote on Thursday and passed parliament on its 17th attempt in 25 years.
Among 68 safeguards, it includes a provision that people wishing to die must be SA residents for at least 12 months.
The legislation comes into effect in about 18 months and it goes to the governor for assent.
SA has become the fourth state in the country to legalize voluntary euthanasia.
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"Voluntary Assisted Dying," jubilant SA Labor MP Kyam Maher tweeted.
"It's all done in Parliament," the leftwing lawmaker added.
"Every last bit."
A terminal diagnosis and a life expectancy of fewer than six months, or 12 months for a person with a neurodegenerative disease, must be confirmed for a patient to access the procedure.
The bill also requires patients to show they have decision-making capacity and are capable of informed consent.
In addition, they must undergo an assessment by two independent medical practitioners.
They must have their request verified by two independent witnesses.
They must also be experiencing intolerable suffering that cannot be relieved.
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The SA bill is based on Victoria's legislation and system for voluntary assisted dying.
Mr. Maher co-sponsored the bill in 2020 after watching his mother's suffering.
Western Australia recently passed similar laws that come into force later this year.
Legislation has also passed in the Tasmanian parliament.
