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  4. Can I talk about voluntary assisted dying with my doctor?
What is voluntary assisted dying? Is voluntary assisted dying legal in Australia? Who can use voluntary assisted dying in Australia? How many people use voluntary assisted dying laws in Australia? I am terminally ill and want to find out more about voluntary assisted dying. Who can I contact? How can I find out more about voluntary assisted dying laws in my state? What is the assessment process for voluntary assisted dying? How long does the voluntary assisted dying application take? How much does voluntary assisted dying cost? Can I talk about voluntary assisted dying with my doctor? How can I talk about voluntary assisted dying with my family? Can I die at home with voluntary assisted dying? Can I travel between states to use voluntary assisted dying somewhere else? I live in the NT or ACT. Can I access voluntary assisted dying? What other end-of-life options are available? Does voluntary assisted dying affect insurance payouts? I'm a doctor. How can I learn more about voluntary assisted dying in my state? Is voluntary assisted dying safe? Is voluntary assisted dying the same as suicide? Is voluntary assisted dying the same as euthanasia? What does the Australian public think about voluntary assisted dying?

Can I talk about voluntary assisted dying with my doctor?

Answer

You should discuss your end-of-life options with your doctor. However, some medical professionals do not agree with voluntary assisted dying and the law grants them the right to conscientiously object. This means they do not have to agree to assess you. Other doctors may not be willing or trained to provide VAD.  In these cases, they are legally obliged to let you know so you can find another doctor willing to provide you with information.

The VAD Care Navigator service in your state is the best source of information about making an application for VAD and getting a referral to an authorised VAD doctor. 

For NSW residents: Call the free NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service on 1300 802 133  Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm (excluding public holidays) or email [email protected]

See also our NSW VAD Information page 

For residents of other states

Visit GoGentle's VAD in my state page and select your state to get contact details for your state's Care Navigators.

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