Death bill debate in Victorian parliament

Victoria's parliamentarians will start debating a government bill that could introduce an assisted dying scheme for the terminally ill.

Euthanasia supporter Andrew Denton

Andrew Denton is one of those supporting the Victorian government's assisted dying bill. (AAP) Source: AAP

The Victorian government's divisive euthanasia bill is headed for debate in state parliament.

The controversial proposal, which would legalise a scheme accessible only by the terminally ill, is scheduled for debate in the lower house on Tuesday.

Both sides have granted their MPs a conscience vote on the matter, which includes harsh penalties for misuse and has sparked passionate campaigning from advocates, opponents, doctors, religious groups and the public.

Doctors against the proposal and euthanasia advocate Andrew Denton were both at parliament on Monday pushing their causes.

Mr Denton said an assisted dying scheme would create more protections for the vulnerable and terminally ill because currently there are few regulations on how people die.

But some doctors argue the scheme will lead to people coercing ill relatives into taking part.


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Published 17 October 2017 9:32am
Updated 17 October 2017 5:07pm
Source: AAP


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