Voluntary assisted dying is an option for some people in the late stages of advanced disease. A doctor can prescribe medication that will bring about their death.

A person’s decision to ask for voluntary assisted dying must be:

• voluntary (the person’ own decision)
• consistent (the person makes three separate requests)
• fully informed (the person is well-informed about their disease, treatment and palliative care).

There are conditions and an application process. People who meet the conditions and follow the process can access the medication.

Voluntary assisted dying is also sometimes called ‘euthanasia’, ‘VAD’, ‘dying with dignity’ or ‘medical assistance in dying’. The law about voluntary assisted dying is not the same everywhere