Proposed legislation to legalise voluntary assisted dying in South Australia has been welcomed by advocates, but concerns are growing that regional residents could face significant hurdles in accessing the process.
Labor legal affairs spokesperson Kyam Maher and deputy opposition leader Susan Close introduced the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill to State Parliament's Lower House last year. The bill requires more than 60 criteria to be approved by two separate doctors within a prescribed time frame, based on similar laws in Victoria that have been active for about 18 months.
Riverland woman Jan Kemble, an advocate for voluntary assisted dying, fears the extensive requirements could be difficult for regional people due to limited access to doctors. She has supported reform since witnessing her cousin's traumatic death from terminal pancreatic cancer.
Mr Maher acknowledged that the strict safeguards, designed to prevent abuse, could result in some patients dying before completing the approval process. He noted this has occurred in Victoria's scheme for both regional and metropolitan patients.
Currently, Victoria is the only Australian state allowing voluntary assisted dying, while Western Australia's legislation will take effect on July 1.
