What is a ‘good death’?

Thoughts about euthanasia

If an illness is prolonged or causing uncomfortable symptoms, some people think about speeding things up. Euthanasia is the act of deliberately ending the life of a person with an incurable condition or illness. Voluntary assisted dying is when a person ends their own life with the help of a doctor.

At the time of publication (2020), euthanasia and voluntary assisted dying are illegal in most states and territories in Australia. Voluntary assisted dying for people who meet strict criteria is legal in Victoria. To find out more, visit health.vic.gov.au and search for “voluntary assisted dying”. There is currently much discussion of these issues. The law has recently changed in Western Australia, and the laws are under review in some other states and territories (visit end-of-life.qut.edu.au for updates).

Regardless of the law, some seriously ill people consider this path. Sometimes a person with cancer may decide they want their death hastened, but later decide that they don’t. They may have thought that way because they were feeling particularly ill, scared, or worried about the strain they were putting on others.

If this is how you feel, discuss your concerns with a doctor, counsellor or social worker. Sometimes these feelings are due to depression or a sense of helplessness, or because pain or other symptoms are not well controlled.

Pain and depression can almost always be treated, and help is generally available for other symptoms. It is important that you talk to your doctor or nurse about any physical or emotional symptoms that are causing you pain or distress, and find ways to make your final days more comfortable.

If you urgently need somebody to talk to because you are thinking about ending your life, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for free, confidential telephone counselling at any time.