This information talks about death and dying. It is for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities who are looking for information about voluntary assisted dying. Information in your language is available on the NSW Health website and interpreters are available to help you.
Voluntary assisted dying may be a sensitive topic for some people and their families. You may wish to talk to your loved ones and community to decide if voluntary assisted dying aligns with your values and beliefs and is the right choice for you.
Voluntary assisted dying means some people can ask a doctor for medical help to die.
It is not for everyone – you need to meet eligibility criteria and not everyone who is eligible will choose it. It is your choice. You take or are given a medication which brings about your death at a time and place you choose.
Only a doctor who is approved and has done special training can give you the medication.
If you want to choose voluntary assisted dying you must:
Having a mental illness or disability alone is not an eligible reason. However, if you meet all the eligibility criteria above, and you have a disability or mental illness (importantly, you must be able to make and communicate your own decisions), you can access voluntary assisted dying.
In NSW, there are legal steps you need to follow. For most steps, you can work your way through the process at your own pace.
Start by asking your doctor about voluntary assisted dying. For most people, this will be a doctor on your treating team who is looking after the healthcare for your sickness.
Only some doctors in NSW can provide voluntary assisted dying. You can contact the NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service on 1300 802 133 if your doctor says they do not do voluntary assisted dying. The Care Navigator Service can help you find a doctor and answer your questions.
You can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask for the NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service on 1300 802 133 if you need language support.
Some people may choose to make decisions about death and dying of loved ones together as a family.
You may like to have these conversations with your loved ones if you think you want to choose voluntary assisted dying.
This is important if someone usually helps you make decisions about your health or talks to a doctor on your behalf.
Your loved ones can be with you when you talk to your doctor about voluntary assisted dying, but there are some important rules in the law:
The law says that steps and safeguards need to be followed. This makes sure you are not being pressured by another person to choose voluntary assisted dying. It also makes sure it is your choice.
People may have different views. It is important you talk with someone you trust.
Some people in your family may find it hard to understand your choice to ask for medical help to die. They may disagree with you. However, they cannot stop you accessing voluntary assisted dying if you want to.
You can stop or pause the voluntary assisted dying process at any time. You do not need to give a reason.
You and your doctor will work together to discuss your needs, hopes and preferences for your care into the future. This involves knowing what choices you have at the end of your life.
NSW’s health care system will care for you whatever choice you make.
If you choose voluntary assisted dying you will still be able to access other care you might need, including palliative care.
Learn more about palliative care
The Care Navigator Service is available to support everyone including patients and families.
It can answer questions about voluntary assisted dying and help you find a doctor if needed. It is available at all steps of the process.
To speak to Care Navigator support staff:
Call: 1300 802 133 Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm (excluding public holidays) Email: NSLHD-VADCareNavigator@health.nsw.gov.au
You can use an interpreter to start the process to access voluntary assisted dying if you prefer to speak a language other than English.
Ask your doctor if you need an interpreter. Your doctor can arrange one. It is free.
Only certain people with special training can be your interpreter for voluntary assisted dying.
A family member, friend, carer or contact who does not have special training cannot be your interpreter. This is because of the law in NSW.
Talking about death and voluntary assisted dying may be hard and sad. Call these free services if you need support: