Australia; International; VIC; QLD
***This media release contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to data about mental health, suicide and self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline (Aus) on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or Lifeline (NZ) on 0800 543 354. ***
Most doctors would prefer assisted dying over life-prolonging treatments if diagnosed with late-stage terminal illness, according to an international study that included Australia. The study looked at the attitudes of doctors in 5 countries (Australia, Canada, USA, Italy and Belgium) when given two end-of-life scenarios, both with a very poor prognosis (late-stage cancer with no treatment options available and severe Alzheimer's disease). More than half the doctors surveyed said they would prefer assisted dying, and the majority would prefer medications that alleviate symptoms rather than prolong life. Doctors' personal preferences varied according to the legal status of assisted dying in their country, with more doctors preferring assisted dying in regions where it has been legalised. In Victoria and QLD, the preference for assisted dying in late-stage cancer was 59% and 57% respectively and 58% and 51% for late-stage Alzheimer's disease.
Sign In
