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Victoria voluntary assisted dying usage increase

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2026-10-05 18:04 UTC → 2026-10-12 00:34 UTC · added removed

The state of Victoria, Australia, has reported a significant rise in the use of its voluntary assisted dying (VAD) scheme. For the 2025–26 period, the Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board recorded 512 deaths, a 31.6% increase from the 389 deaths recorded in the previous year. This figure represents approximately 1.1% of all deaths in the state. Applications for the scheme also saw a sharp increase, with 1,138 to 1,156 requests reported, marking a nearly 40% rise over the previous financial year. Data indicates that 372 deaths occurred via self-administration, while the remainder were administered by medical practitioners. Demographic trends show that most applicants are aged between 60 and 89, with men making up 54% of applicants. Additionally, residents in regional areas utilize the scheme at a higher rate than their proportion of the population. Authorities expect continued growth in uptake following legislative changes. These updates changes that allow healthcare practitioners to proactively discuss the subject with patients and extend the medical prognosis requirement to 12 months. Future regulations expected in 2027 will further expand options In response to evolving care needs, the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has called for patients regarding how federal reform to allow VAD discussions via telehealth. The ACN argues that current restrictions under the lethal substance is administered. Criminal Code Act 1995 create barriers for regional and remote patients. ACN CEO Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz described the legal restriction as an “inadvertent drafting artefact,” noting that practitioners currently face potential criminal prosecution and significant fines for using carriage services to discuss VAD care.

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  1. 2026-10-12 00:34 UTC Victoria voluntary assisted dying usage increase
  2. 2026-10-05 18:04 UTC Victoria voluntary assisted dying usage increase

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