Go Gentle Australia

@gogentleaus.bsky.social

We empower people to choose the end-of-life care that is right for them, including the option of voluntary assisted dying.

Paramedics union president Brett Simpson did not mince words when asked about a NSW bill that would force people out of their aged care homes to seek VAD. "Terminally ill patients are some of the most vulnerable. The thought of having to load them into ambulances and move them around is shameful."

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Nurses' union rep Katrina Bough has condemned a NSW bill that seeks to deny people in aged care the right to access VAD. Susan Carter MLC's bill would force dying people seeking the VAD choice to transfer to another facility. "It's simply another form of abuse," Bough said.

Media conference at the NSW Parliament today attended by medical and advocacy groups opposed to Susan Carter's VAD amendment bill.

17 organisations representing doctors, nurses, paramedics, lawyers and seniors’ rights groups have signed a statement opposing a NSW Bill that seeks to restrict access to voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in aged care. ow.ly/LZAm50XobnZ

Opposition to 'cruel' NSW VAD bill grows

Seventeen of the state's most influential medical, legal and seniors’ rights groups have signed a statement condemning a bill that seeks to restrict access to voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in aged ca...

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Jill Nash, 86, puts NSW Upper House on notice "Any politician who votes for this cruel bill is sending a clear message to the electorate that they care more about the religious freedom of powerful institutions than the rights and well-being of vulnerable residents in their care."👇 ow.ly/YcxI50XmRct

I’m 86 – this bill to restrict voluntary assisted dying is cruel and callous

Susan Carter’s bill to allow NSW aged care providers to restrict or deny access to voluntary assisted dying is discrimination at its very worst.

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The Victorian govt’s Bill to make the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act fairer and more in-line with other states has passed the Lower House unamended 67 votes to 13. The Bill now moves to the Upper House. Congratulations to all involved for a respectful and courteous debate 🙌👏

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Sharyn fondly describes her husband Brett as a 'bogan' with a passion for fast cars, motorbikes and footy. But beyond the adrenaline, Brett was a quiet hero. “His attitude was: you’re going to die - let’s get something good out of this.” www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/a_quiet_hero

Brett Harrison's legacy of love and generosity

Brett, from Ballarat, became only the second person in the country to donate organs after voluntary assisted dying (VAD), a final act of generosity at age 57.

gogentleaustralia.org.au

Research shows people applying for Assisted Dying express gratitude for: 💜Avoiding suffering & the uncertainty of a painful death 💜Retaining agency in how & when they die 💜A sense of peace, relief & comfort in choosing VAD 💜Compassionate caregivers👇 www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/the_poetry_o...

The poetry of gratitude in VAD

Our vision is an Australia where we all have choice at the end of life. We empower people to choose the care that is right for them, including the option of voluntary assisted dying.

gogentleaustralia.org.au

*BREAKING* The UK Voluntary Assisted Dying bill has passed its 3rd reading in the House of Commons 314 to 291. Congratulations to everyone in the UK who fought so hard and for so long to see this reform become reality. Compassion and common sense have prevailed. Well done 🎉🥂💪💥

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And op-ed writer for The New York Times, Ross Douthat, is today railing against the New York legislature that has finally, after years of advocacy, sent the bill to the governor for signature. His angle? Slippery slope. And, he calls it euthanasia. The 600+ comments on that piece are derisory.

Steve from Darwin is dying. He expects his final days to be agonising. In every other state he would be eligible for Voluntary Assisted Dying. But the Northern Territory is dithering on VAD laws. "I just want the choice to go in my own time, without the pain. No mess, no fuss."👇 ow.ly/78Rc50VYzvA

With weeks to live, Steve hopes the NT legalises VAD in time for others

Thirty years ago, the Northern Territory became Australia's first jurisdiction to legislate voluntary assisted dying. Today it is the only one where the practice has not been legalised, and the landsc...

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The French have said a big 'oui' to assisted dying, approving President Macron's bill 305 votes to 199. 💪 The bill has no time frames but eligible people must have an advanced, terminal illness. It will now go to the Senate, before a second reading in the National Assembly. ow.ly/n6UF50VZKsS

France's National Assembly adopts long-debated bill legalizing end-of-life options

France’s lower house of parliament has adopted a bill to allow adults with incurable illness to take lethal medication.

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Former ABC correspondent Iain Finlay opted for Voluntary Assisted Dying at his home in northern NSW. His family was by his side. Diagnosed with terminal amyloidosis, which causes difficulties breathing, he was relieved to end his suffering at a time of his choosing surrounded by those he loved.

Hours before dying, ABC legend Finlay embraced last 'great adventure'

After a long career as an accomplished TV and radio journalist for programs like AM, This Day Tonight and Beyond 2000, Iain Finlay chooses to end life on his own terms with his family by his side.

abc.net.au

GET YOUR COPY TODAY 📚 Julian Kingma is one of Aust's best photographers. With forewords by Andrew Denton & Richard Flanagan, The Power of Choice focuses on the people who choose voluntary assisted dying and captures their stories of hope, struggle, courage & acceptance. Order here👇 ow.ly/9ko850Vx6jq

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Sue is healthy but adamant that if diagnosed with dementia, she "would rather go quickly". She's included a request for assisted dying in her advance directive, even though this is not legal. VAD for dementia is ethically & legally challenging, & available in very few countries. ow.ly/RzFo50VraTE

Assisted dying rules exclude people with dementia. Will it change?

Sue Starr has requested access to Voluntary Assisted Dying should she one day be diagnosed with dementia. But fulfilling that request would currently be illegal.

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The Australian Medical Association's new position statement on Voluntary Assisted Dying is a welcome change that will transform care for dying people. "The first update in 10 years provides clarity about VAD's role in end-of-life conversations." 👇 www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/go_gentle_we...

Go Gentle welcomes 'significant' doctor statement on assisted dying

The Australian Medical Association (AMA)'s new statement on Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is a significant change that will transform care for dying people.

gogentleaustralia.org.au

Photographer Julian Kingma did what no one else had attempted: capture the stories of those who chose voluntary assisted dying. "The suffering, love, humour & courage are unlike anything I have experienced." Julian & Andrew Denton will discuss the project @Sydney Writers Festival. bit.ly/4iaZTgZ

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