Hospitals and Healthcare

Max Bell was a 65-year-old taxi driver in outback New South Wales who was dying from stomach cancer. When the NT government decided to legalise euthanasia, he saw a way out.

Hundreds of Victorians who have qualified for euthanasia medication have not used it. For some of them, it’s about having the choice to take it.

Australias first indigenous surgeon, Kelvin Kong, says he is terrified by the McGowan governments plan to let doctors suggest voluntary assisted dying, describing patients in remote areas as often so thankful to see a specialist that they are very compliant.

Veteran Australian firefighter Troy Thornton has died in a Swiss euthanasia clinic, leaving a powerful message for Australian politicians and voters.

With euthanasia laws proliferating around the world, Caitlin Mahar’s The Good Death Through Time is a valuable exploration of the history of our shifting views on dying well.

The arguments in favour or against euthanasia have a long history, going back to the Hippocratic oath that doctors still swear today.

Suffering from a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, Troy Thornton wanted to die at home but was forced to travel overseas because he could not get two doctors to certify that he would definitely die within 12 months.

When he chose to end his life, Mr Beilby had to tell the police none of his family assisted him, to avoid them being charged with a crime. But this may change with new moves to legislate voluntary euthanasia laws in WA.