Hi ,

 

The Rationalist Society is proud to be part of the NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Alliance.

 

This is a group of organisations supporting the introduction of laws to allow terminally ill people the right to ask for medical assistance to end their lives, subject to strict safeguards.

 

The Alliance supports the VAD bill to be introduced into the NSW parliament by Independent MP Alex Greenwich.

 

What can you do to help?

 

You can add your name to a petition run by Dying With Dignity NSW.

You can email your local MP and all NSW upper house members. Below we suggest some key messages you can include but short, personal emails are best.

Or if you're really keen, check out the Letter Writing Guide prepared by the Alliance. 

 

Note: please add us (admin@rationalist.com.au) as a bcc when you send an email!

If you are posting to your own social media, please use the following hashtags: #VAD4NSW  #VAD  #AssistedDying  #nswpol

 

 

Dominic Perrottet has said he'll allow a conscience vote on the VAD bill, but it's now up to all of us to show that the vast majority of Australians - including those living in NSW - want and need this reform.

 

Please do set aside a some time (15 mins?) to sign the petition, write to your MP, and post to social media. 

 

We can do this!

 

In solidarity, 

 

• VAD has overwhelming public support in Australia, across all demographics and locations.
• VAD laws have been proven safe and effective in other jurisdictions, and now inVictoria. Strict safeguards protect vulnerable people.
• Palliative care is vital but some dying people still suffer greatly, even withoptimal end of life care.
• VAD does not replace or diminish palliative care. Most people who use VAD also receive palliative care.
• Four states already have VAD laws. The people of NSW deserve the same rights.
• VAD is a choice by a dying person about the manner of their death, it is not suicide.
• It is currently legal to withdraw medical treatment, food and water and to administer medication to induce ‘terminal sedation’. However, this practice does not guarantee a peaceful death, it causes prolonged and futile suffering and it is controlled by doctors, not the patient.
• Terminally ill people are taking their own lives to avoid a bad death.
• The right to conscientious objection is respected.
• A majority of Christians support VAD despite opposition from the church leadership.
• COVID-19 is not an excuse to delay VAD reform in NSW. Three states have passed or progressed VAD laws in the last 18 months.