Victoria reports increase in voluntary assisted dying deaths

The Australian state of Victoria has reported a significant increase in voluntary assisted dying (VAD) activity. According to the annual report from the Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board for the period ending June 30, 2026, there were 1,138 requests for assisted dying, representing a 38% increase over the previous year.

Of the total deaths recorded under the law, 512 individuals passed away after receiving a lethal substance. This figure marks a 31.6% increase compared to the 389 deaths recorded in the 2024-2025 period. The report notes that 372 deaths occurred via self-administration of the substance, while 140 were administered by a healthcare professional.

Legislative changes are expected to further impact these figures. New regulations will allow doctors to proactively provide information to patients, and eligibility will expand to those with a life expectancy of less than 12 months, up from the current 6-month threshold. Additionally, starting in 2027, patients will be able to choose between self-administration and practitioner administration, a move expected to increase the total number of assisted deaths.