Fears Queenslanders could go ‘doctor shopping’ to access euthanasia

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Fears Queenslanders could go ‘doctor shopping’ to access euthanasia

By Felicity Caldwell

Suffering Queenslanders seeking to end their own lives would not first need to see a specialist doctor, sparking fears among euthanasia opponents that families might go doctor shopping.

During a parliamentary committee hearing last month, a departmental official confirmed people accessing the proposed Queensland euthanasia scheme would not need their terminal diagnosis signed off by a specialist.

People seeking voluntary euthanasia under a proposed Queensland scheme would not need to see a specialist.

People seeking voluntary euthanasia under a proposed Queensland scheme would not need to see a specialist.

The patient must, however, be separately and independently assessed by two doctors.

“If we did mandate a requirement that one doctor be a specialist, that would likely cause [access] issues in those regional and remote areas, given that specialists in some fields are largely based in south-east Queensland,” Health Department social policy and legislation branch manager Eve Gibson said.

To access the Queensland scheme, adults must have been diagnosed with a disease, illness or medical condition that is advanced and progressive. They must also be expected to die within 12 months and be experiencing suffering they consider intolerable.

Catholic Health Australia strategy and mission director Rebecca Burdick Davies said having a terminal illness was a key criteria in the proposed laws, but patients may not have seen the right specialist before choosing to die.

“Access to a specialist in their diagnosis is left entirely to the discretion of the [voluntary assisted dying] practitioners,” she said.

“This is a serious gap in the checks and balances of the legislation – it leaves people exposed to coercion or making the most serious decision without all the information.”

Ms Burdick Davies also raised concerns about “doctor shopping”, as there was no requirement for a patient to see their usual GP, and no limit on how many times they could request euthanasia.

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David Muir from the Clem Jones Trust says voluntary assisted dying is about compassion and humanity.

David Muir from the Clem Jones Trust says voluntary assisted dying is about compassion and humanity. Credit: Tony Moore

“Since the bill doesn’t place any limits on doctor shopping or require an independent specialist to review a person with a condition affecting their decision-making, there’s a real prospect that vulnerable people could be steered towards VAD,” she said.

“A person with dementia, for example, could be refused by one VAD doctor, only to have their family steer them toward another VAD doctor more likely to approve their request.”

Queensland Chief Clinical Information Officer Keith McNeil said it would be unlikely for someone with a medical condition to not have seen a specialist when they reached the end of life.

“However, that may be as a single consultation at some point, and ongoing care would be provided by their usual practitioner,” Professor McNeil said.

“What is clear, though, is that two independent medical opinions will be sought, and if there is a need for specialist medical opinion, that information will be provided to the person at that time.”

Catholic Health Australia, which opposes euthanasia, says when seeking voluntary assisted dying, a patient should be required to consult a doctor who is formally trained in their diagnosis or a specialist.

South Australia recently passed euthanasia laws, joining Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia.

Queensland’s bill will be debated in September and if passed, will come into effect in January 2023.

Labor and LNP MPs will be granted a conscience vote.

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Supporters have urged MPs to pass the bill, arguing voluntary euthanasia is about choice.

Among its supporters is David Muir from the Clem Jones Trust, a multimillion-dollar fund left by former Brisbane lord mayor Clem Jones to advance several causes, including voluntary euthanasia.

“At the moment, the only people who have choice are those opposed to voluntary assisted dying,” Mr Muir said.

“It’s also about compassion and humanity.

“This is not a choice between life and death.

“The terminal illness ... is already prescribed death, and then effectively it is a choice between the way you die.”

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