Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has launched an online poll and mail out survey to gauge the community's feelings about assisted dying.
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State Parliament is expected to debate the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021, to be introduced by Independent MP for Sydney Alex Greenwich, later this year, which has prompted Mr Marshall to seek the electorate's views on the issue.
If passed, the law would allow terminally ill patients in NSW to voluntarily end their lives with medical assistance.
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"This Bill aims to do is provide a legislative framework for the rights of terminally ill persons to request and receive assistance to end their lives voluntarily," Mr Marshall said.
Only adults diagnosed with a terminal illness that will cause death within six months, or 12 months for neurodegenerative conditions, and who are experiencing suffering as a result of the condition that cannot be tolerably relieved, would be able to access voluntary assisted dying.
"Every patient who is considering exercising this right would undergo an independent assessment by two experienced doctors, to determine if the patient is acting voluntarily and without any form of pressure and duress," Mr Marshall said.
"The Bill includes protections for patients, to prevent vulnerable persons being pressured into seeking voluntary assisted dying and for medical practitioners, to permit conscientious objectors on any grounds.
"This is a comprehensive Bill and for those who are passionate about this issue I urge you to take the time to read it in its entirety."
The state MP said people would have different perspectives on this Bill and he wanted to hear from the entire community to ensure he could best represent those views on the floor of Parliament in the debate and ultimately when it comes time to cast his vote.
"Any comments, questions and concerns are most welcome and will be treated by and my staff in the strictest confidence," he said.
To participate in Mr Marshall's survey or view a copy of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021, please visit www.adammarshall.com.au/survey/
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