A public information session on new voluntary assisted dying legislation will be held in Sutherland Shire.
Heathcote MP Lee Evans, who was a member of the cross-party working group of members, which drafted the bill, is organising the meeting at a time and venue to be announced.
Mr Evans invited people to register their interest if they wish to know more about the draft Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2017.
MPs will be allowed a conscience vote on the private member’s bill, which was introduced in the upper house on August 8 after a draft was released in May.
The issue is personal for Mr Evans.
“After seeing my mother wither away at the end of her life, with weeks of palliative care which was as humane as it could have been in the circumstances, I realised as a human race there are times we need to allow people and loved ones go, if they choose,” he said.
“In hospitals, hospices and homes all over this state there are families facing this situation every day and I hope this proposed legislation will ease their torment.”
Other members of the working group who drafted the legislation included Trevor Khan MLC (Nationals), Alex Greenwich MP (Independent), Lynda Voltz MLC (Labor) and Mehreen Faruqi MLC (Greens).
Mr Evans said, under the legislation, terminally ill NSW residents over the age of 25 would have the legal right to choose to end their life with the assistance of medical assistance.
To qualify, a patient would have a life expectancy due to an illness of 12 months or less, with the expectation of extreme pain, suffering and discomfort or physical incapacity.
Mr Evans said it was “an opt in bill” and, at any time, the patient could withdraw consent.
“The bill provides for physician-assisted dying, not voluntary euthanasia,” he said.
“Two years of cross party work with my colleagues has resulted in a bill that I believe has the right balance.
“Since 2015, there has been extensive consultation with key stakeholder organisations.
“Submissions are currently being discussed and I would like to hear feedback from members of our local community.”
To register to attend the session, visit: leeevansheathcote.com.au/adcs
