<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The Victorian Government has made changes to the state's voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws to make the service more accessible to those suffering from terminal illnesses.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>There have been 13 proposed amendments to the current legislation that was introduced in 2017, including removing a clause that banned doctors from suggesting VAD as a valid option to terminally ill patients wishing to discuss end-of-life options.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It has also extended the life expectancy limit for eligibility from six months to a year, and allowed people with degenerative diseases to require the consent of just two doctors rather than three.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/man-charged-with-arson-major-sporting-facilities-melbourne/cb4b8dee-ccbc-4587-922c-e46a0f21212d" target="_blank"><strong><span>Man allegedly burned down $4m sporting facilities in Melbourne</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Premier Jacinta Allan claimed the changes made it easier and fairer for those with terminal illnesses, whilst still keeping the process robust and safe.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"People who are terminally ill and suffering in pain deserve the choice to live out their last days with dignity," she said</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We're reforming [VAD] to make it clearer and more compassionate for patients and their families, while keeping the safeguards secure."</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-voluntary-assisted-dying-laws-jacinta-allan/bfc62030-1b80-4941-84d2-308fd1b4f50d" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Victoria was the first state to introduce VAD laws in the 21st century, with all states having followed suit since then.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The ACT is set to introduce laws of its own next month, whilst the Northern Territory currently has no VAD laws, having been scrapped in 1997 by the federal government at the time.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/melbourne-cbd-arrest-man-with-firearm-arrested-after-alleged-car-jackings/21ee0e69-1b4c-49ae-bb75-4904293f2769" target="_blank"><strong><span>Allegedly armed man arrested in Melbourne CBD after dramatic police chase</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>In Victoria, people can ask for voluntary assisted dying if they have an advanced disease that will cause their death and is causing the person suffering that is unacceptable to them.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>They must be over the age of 18, have lived in Victoria for the past year, and have the ability to make the request themselves.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The state's health minister said the new changes now bring Victoria's laws into line with those of other states, and have also taken into account feedback from doctors in the state.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We know our Australian-first VAD laws work to alleviate suffering and give Victorians a safe choice – but we know we need to bring them into line with other states, so more Victorians can live out their final days on their own terms," Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We've listened to doctors who have told us they want to have open, honest conversations with patients about all their end-of-life options, so they can make safe and informed decisions."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f"><em><strong><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS 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