Today California became the fifth state behind Oregon, Washington, Montana and Vermont in the United States of America to legalise voluntary euthanasia.
Member for Franklin Lara Giddings welcomed another international jurisdiction affording its citizens the right to choose their own death if terminally ill.
“Terminally ill people in California can now choose to end their own life with dignity, a right which should also be available to Tasmanians,” Ms Giddings said.
“California follows in the steps of other US states which have already passed dying with dignity laws.
“The fears of anti-euthanasia advocates have not been realised in these states, giving impetus to the legislation.
“It is important that any legislation has sufficient checks and balances to ensure that vulnerable people are not coerced into ending their life.
“Any new bill in Tasmania will look at these laws as well as legislation in other jurisdictions across the world to ensure the best model is developed for our state.
“I hope that when the Tasmanian Parliament debates this issue again, members will look to the growing number of jurisdictions where voluntary assisted dying is legalised and follow the lead of these countries in order to give ill Tasmanians the right to die at a time of their choosing.”
Lara Giddings MP Labor Member for Franklin
