2016-06-09
Greens call for cross-party support to introduce assisted dying laws in Victoria, after the End of Life Choices parliamentary inquiry recommended law reform.
“This report sends the message loud and clear – the parliament should take law reform action and allow terminally ill people the choice to end their own suffering,” said Colleen Hartland, Victorian Greens Spokesperson for Health.
“We’re calling for a cross-party effort to develop new laws, but the Greens will introduce our own bill if that isn’t forthcoming."
“Terminally ill people want choices about when and how their life ends. This has been on the political agenda since the Greens first bill in 2008."
“This cross-party committee report shows that when MPs put political differences aside and focus on the evidence, great policy reform can be agreed on.”
“Years ago, parliamentarians were mature enough to properly debate the merits and decide on a medically responsible and morally acceptable way to fully legalise abortions. It’s time we do the same with voluntary euthanasia.”
“For too long, dying and extremely ill people have had limited choices to end their suffering. It has led to some horrific situations and to unnecessary trauma. These people deserve rights and compassion.”
"Patients deserve the right to make decisions about their own death well before the pain is unbearable," said Ms Hartland.