Doctor behind world's first voluntary assisted death welcomes new NT law

Dr. Philip Nitschke, the doctor who assisted a terminally ill patient under the world's first voluntary assisted dying (VAD) legislation, has welcomed the Northern Territory's recent passage of VAD laws. However, he has expressed disappointment over the government's decision to restrict VAD to patients who are expected to live less than 12 months, based on a doctor's assessment. This provision was not present in the original 1995 NT law.

Nitschke, who is also the head of Exit International, a right-to-die advocacy group, questioned the logic of this restriction. He noted that it places significant power in the hands of doctors, who struggle to accurately predict a patient's life expectancy, especially in the face of terminal illnesses. He expressed frustration that the NT, which led the world with its pioneering VAD law in 1995, is now the last state in Australia to implement such legislation.

Several residents in Darwin, who suffer from incurable cancers, are uncertain about their eligibility for VAD due to the 12-month limit. Darwin resident Dave Collins, who has cancer affecting several organs, is among them. He believes that no doctor would confidently predict his death within a year, and thus, he doubts he will be able to access VAD.

Eileen, another Darwin resident whose sister used Victoria's assisted dying laws to end her suffering, expressed disappointment at the new law's restrictive provisions. She noted that the 12-month limit is an "ridiculous" way to determine eligibility, and she herself would consider using assisted dying if faced with a similar situation.