Hot off the back of Queensland announcing it will introduce a bill to legalise euthanasia, it appears people want the rest of Australia to follow suit.
A poll of LADbible Australia readers has revealed an overwhelming majority of people are keen to see the federal government get cracking on national assisted dying legislation.
After more than 3,000 votes, a whopping 95 per cent of users agree Australia should have a national legal framework to allow people the right to die with dignity.
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People who voted gave their reasons for siding with either the Yes or No camp.
One user wrote: "People should have the choice to pass away in a dignified manner, not suffering in pain and feeling ashamed or desperate. If someone wants that, then it could be monitored by lawyers and independent counsel so that it can be determined whether it is an informed decision."
Another added: "There's so many negligent medical practitioners here I'll have to say no."
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A third hit back saying: "The right to die with dignity is universal in our country. Having each state go to the expense of consulting, debating, educating the community and implementing different legislation is wasteful."
Politicians in Queensland will be allowed to have a conscience vote when the bill gets submitted next week, meaning MPs won't have to toe the line of their party's beliefs and they can go with their gut.
Under the proposed model, euthanasia would only be permitted if the patient fulfils the following criteria:
- Has an eligible condition that is advanced and progressive, with the potential for death within the subequent 12 months;
- Is capable of making a decision with sound mind;
- Is acting voluntarily and without coercion;
- Is at least 18 years old; and
- Is a resident of Australia.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said this issues is 'beyond politics' and encouraged politicians across the political spectrum to vote however they please.
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"I'm a Catholic, I've thought about this long and hard - I've had a lot of personal experiences in the last 12 months and I've made up my mind based on what I've seen and based on those experiences," she said.
"I know there's going to be a lot of people wanting to know how [MPs] are going to vote - I just ask for respect at this time, so people can have the opportunity to read the bill and make their mind up."
Euthanasia, also known as voluntary assisted dying, is only legal in Victoria and Western Australia at the moment.
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But that doesn't mean there hasn't been multiple attempts, both at the state and territory level as well as the federal level, to try and change that.
A bill was submitted in 2018 by Liberal Democrats legislator David Leyonhjelm to get the federal ban on euthanasia in the ACT and Northern Territory removed.
Much like Queensland, it was given a conscience vote on both sides of government and it was narrowly defeated at 36 votes against and 34 votes for.
Nearly every other state and territory has given it a red-hot crack at legalising the practice and yet none have been successful.
Featured Image Credit: Alberto Biscalchin (Flickr)Topics: Australia