Arabic version: الإقبال على الموت الطوعي بمساعدة طبية في أستراليا الغربية يتجاوز التوقعات

According to ABC News, voluntary assisted dying accounted for 541 deaths in Western Australia in 2025-26, representing 2.9 per cent of all deaths in the state. The annual report on the state’s legislation found uptake has risen significantly since the law began operating in July 2021 and was higher than predicted.

Colin Holt, chair of the Voluntary Assisted Dying board, said the 2025-26 total was about 12 per cent higher than the previous year and 181 per cent above the figure from the start of the process five years earlier. He said growing awareness that VAD is an option for people with a terminal diagnosis was likely contributing to the increase, and authorities expect growth to continue.

The report also identified pressure on the limited number of doctors authorised to provide the service. Eight doctors carried out 53 per cent of all practitioner-administered deaths during the past year. Mr Holt said more practitioners were needed to participate, describing feedback from current providers as indicating the field was rewarding.

The board is considering whether eligibility time limits are too restrictive. Under the current rules, patients may apply when they have a condition expected to cause death within six months, or within 12 months for neurodegenerative conditions. Stephen Walker, president of Dying with Dignity WA, said his organisation wants the legislation extended to allow people with dementia to access VAD. Mr Holt said the board continued to receive community feedback on cases involving people who may have lost decision-making capacity.