How Vic's assisted dying could work

HOW VICTORIA'S ASSISTED DYING COULD WORK

* Patient must have just weeks or months to live

* Must be going to die a painful death

* Must make three requests for assisted death

* One request must be in writing

* Two independent doctors to verify the patient's condition

* Psychiatrist must be referred if there are mental health concerns

* The drug must be taken orally, acting as another safeguard against abuse.

WHY IS IT NEEDED

* Police and the coroner say it's already happening

* Two Victorians a week commit suicide rather than face a painful death

* From 2009-13, 240 Victorians ended their lives to avoid terminal illness.

OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE

* Oregon legalised it in 1994

* Since then, 0.4 per cent of all deaths have been assisted

* 30 per cent of all prescriptions for end-of-life drugs are never used.

SOURCE: Victorian Inquiry Into End Of Life Choices

* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.