Assisted dying laws in force in NSW from this morning
Terminally ill patients in New South Wales will be able to legally end their own lives when voluntary assisted dying laws come into effect from this morning.
NSW is the final Australian state to introduce the laws, which have been the subject of fierce community debate.
To qualify, patients must be over 18 and have a diagnosis of six months or less to live.
READ MORE: Israel and Hamas agree to extend ceasefire
Voluntary assisted dying laws will come into force in NSW today. Getty
The decision must also be made without coercion, through repeated requests for an end to their life.
Safeguards for medical staff will also be in place, including a board to oversee the process.
Every other Australian state has similar laws on the books, with some variations state to state regarding the necessary criteria.
READ MORE: Aussies think First Nations people should have voice, despite vote
Voluntary assisted dying remains illegal in the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, though legislation to legalise it was introduced in the ACT last month.
Opponents of the legislation insist higher-quality palliative care is a better option for terminal patients.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
