Oz state sees surge in euthanasia deaths

The Australian state of Victoria has witnessed a large rise in euthanasia deaths over the course of last year.

Official figures released recently show a 31% rise in people accessing assisted deaths in the year to June 2022.

A total of 594 people have died through assisted suicide or euthanasia since the commencement of the state’s legislation in 2019.

Data also shows a number of safeguarding failures. Three medics did not return substances from assisted deaths to authorities quickly enough.

And one person signed for lethal medication to dispense to a patient as both the applicant and witness - a clear breach of guidance.

Palliative care provision continues to face immense challenges, raising fears that people will feel pressure to end their lives.

Over the last 5 years, due to the growing and ageing of Victoria’s population, demand for palliative care has increased by 11.9%.

Funding increased by only 10.2% in the same period resulting in an estimated funding shortfall of A$91.2 million by 2025.

A spokesman for CARE commented:

"Jurisdictions like Victoria well-illustrate the problems with euthanasia laws. Economic pressures and declining palliative care provision make euthanasia the only choice, rather than one choice, for citizens.

"Pressure is also being mounted in Australia and other places for expansion of legislation to make people with non-terminal illnesses, disabilities and mental health issues eligible.

"State-facilitated euthanasia of citizens is an inherently unethical, unsafe, and inequitable practice that truly just societies should oppose."