Voluntary Assisted Dying

The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2022  passed through NSW Parliament on 19 May 2022. The legislation will come into effect from 28 November 2023 after an 18-month implementation period. 

Voluntary assisted dying means an eligible person can ask for medical help to end their life. The person must be in the late stages of an advanced disease, illness or medical condition. They must also be experiencing pain and suffering they find unbearable. 

If a person meets all the criteria and the steps set out in the law are followed, they can take or be given a voluntary assisted dying substance to bring about their death at a time they choose. The substance must be prescribed by an eligible doctor. It is illegal to pressure someone to ask for voluntary assisted dying. 

Information for Health Professionals

For more information or to keep up to date with the implementation of VAD, visit the NSW Health VAD webpage

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