Two Years and Counting

“January 31, 2025.

“It is now two years since Voluntary Assisted Dying became a legal end of life choice in South Australia. What an amazing achievement. And how much it is appreciated by those who have used it,” commented Frances Coombe, Voluntary Assisted Dying South Australia (VADSA) President.

“During the first 20 months (to September 30, 2024), 262 people used the VAD substance to end their suffering, 85% of them through self administration of the VAD substance.

“A total of 402 VAD Permits were issued in that time. The VAD Permit allows the person to request the VAD substance. Some people died without using the substance, but had peace of mind knowing it was available if needed.

“In partnership with the VAD Care Navigators in SA Health and VAD assessing doctors, since November 2023, VADSA has provided witnesses for the written request step in the VAD request process. We understood that as the disease progresses, people diagnosed with a terminal illness can become isolated from family and friends and find it increasingly difficult to find the two witnesses required for the written request. So far we have provided 123 witnesses to support people with their written request.

“The overwhelming experience of all our VAD witnesses is the privilege it has been to provide that support. We have also noticed that the person requesting VAD consistently expresses their appreciation for VAD being available and how it gives them back some control over their illness.”

The pic shows some of our VAD witnesses, VAD Review Board and SA Health VAD team at a debrief and thank you gathering in November 2024.