Australia legalizes voluntary euthanasia nationwide after Northern Territory law
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Voluntary euthanasia became legal across all of Australia after the Northern Territory parliament passed a law allowing the procedure. The law permits any person with an incurable illness expected to cause death within 12 months to request euthanasia. Healthcare workers are prohibited from raising the topic with patients.
Key Facts
- The Northern Territory parliament passed the law that made voluntary euthanasia legal across all of Australia.
- Any person with an incurable illness expected to cause death within 12 months can request euthanasia under the new law.
- Healthcare workers are prohibited from independently raising the topic of voluntary euthanasia with patients.
- The Northern Territory first legalized voluntary euthanasia in 1995, but the federal government overturned that law two years later.
Nationwide Legalization
Voluntary euthanasia became legal across all of Australia after the Northern Territory parliament passed the law. The Northern Territory was the last region of the country where the procedure was prohibited. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported the change.
Law Provisions
Under the new law, any person suffering from an incurable illness that may lead to death within 12 months can request the procedure. Medical workers are prohibited from independently raising the topic of voluntary euthanasia with patients.
Historical Context
The Northern Territory was the first region of the country to legalize voluntary euthanasia in 1995. That law was overturned two years later after a federal government ban.
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Australia legalizes voluntary euthanasia nationwide after Northern Territory law
