Tuesday, 10 August 2021
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today launched an online poll and mail out survey to gauge the community’s feelings toward an upcoming Bill that would allow terminally ill patients in NSW to voluntarily end their lives with medical assistance.
Mr Marshall said State Parliament was expected to debate the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021, to be introduced by Independent MP for Sydney Alex Greenwich, later this year, and is encouraging the community to make its thoughts known.
“This Bill aims to do is provide a legislative framework for the rights of terminally ill persons to request and receive assistance to end their lives voluntarily,” Mr Marshall said.
“Under this Bill, only adults diagnosed with a terminal illness that will cause death within six months, or 12 months for neurodegenerative conditions, and who are experiencing suffering as a result of the condition that cannot be tolerably relieved, will be able to access voluntary assisted dying.
“Every patient who is considering exercising this right would undergo an independent assessment by two experienced doctors, to determine if the patient is acting voluntarily and without any form of pressure and duress.
“The Bill includes protections for patients, to prevent vulnerable persons being pressured into seeking voluntary assisted dying and for medical practitioners, to permit conscientious objectors on any grounds.
“This is a comprehensive Bill and for those who are passionate about this issue I urge you to take the time to read it in its entirety.
“People will have different perspectives on this Bill and I want to hear from the entire community to ensure I can best represent those views on the floor of Parliament in the debate and ultimately when it comes time to cast my vote.
“Any comments, questions and concerns are most welcome and will be treated by and my staff in the strictest confidence.”
To participate in Mr Marshall’s survey or view a copy of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021, please visit www.adammarshall.com.au/survey/