Voices From Voluntary Assisted Dying
Voices From Voluntary Assisted Dying
This podcast series aims to share stories from the family members of loved ones who have accessed Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in South Australia. It enables eligible people to voluntarily access and self-administer - or in some cases have a doctor administer - a medication that will end their life. The journeys undertaken in this podcast are deeply personal and reflective of the speakers' own …Social links:
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Episode 10 - The Buddhist Lens on Voluntary Assisted Dying
Letting go – of control, fear, and clinging – is not a failure, but a path to peace, compassion, and deep spiritual clarity at the end of life. Carol Perry, a teacher with Melbourne Insight Meditation, brings over 45 years of experience in the Insight (Vipassana) tradition of Buddhism. Carol expl…
29:50Clean
Episode 9 - Dignity in Dying: Reflections From VAD Care Navigators
Tianna and Kate both work within South Australia’s Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) service. Tianna, a VAD liaison officer, and Kate, a VAD care navigator, assist individuals navigating the VAD process. They discuss the support they provide, from initial inquiries to coordinating assessments and ensu…
41:47Explicit
Episode 8 — Eve
Eve’s mother, Marion, accessed voluntary assisted dying in 2023 after living with multiple chronic health conditions. Eve reflects on her mother’s resilience, selflessness, and determination to maintain control over her life despite significant challenges. She also describes the difficulties they e…
54:08Explicit
Episode 7 - Rowan: “Love lasts longer than life”
Rowan’s mum Felicia, was born in a refugee camp before immigrating to Australia as a young child. Despite lifelong visual impairment Felicia went on to become a Professor of psychology at Cambridge University and a founder of the positive psychology movement. Felicia developed end stage breast canc…
1:00:36Explicit
Episode 6 - VAD progress & the road ahead
Despite much progress with voluntary assisted dying in Australia, challenges still exist, including the need for streamlined processes, expanded access, and support for healthcare professionals to ensure compassionate end-of-life care. Dr Linda Swan, CEO of Go Gentle Australia, shares her journey …
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Episode 5 - Supporting families through the journey of VAD
Many families find it difficult to navigate the complexities of voluntary assisted dying (VAD). That’s according to Jane Nosworthy and Kerrie Arthur. Jane is a Board member of Dying with Dignity Victoria. Jane brings to the board her lived experience of supporting a family member to access VAD, a…
46:10Clean
Episode 4 – Carolyn
Carolyn, a long-time GP, shares her profound journey through medicine and palliative care, highlighting her dedication to voluntary assisted dying (VAD). Initially aspiring to be a vet, she pursued medicine, drawn by her fascination with the human body and her love for longitudinal care. Her experi…
26:40Clean
Episode 3 - Alison
Alison's mother, Linda, was a long-term resident of South Australia, who decided to move to New South Wales in the final months of her life to be cared for by Alison and her husband. NSW, like most Australian states require an applicant for VAD to reside in the state for at least the previous twe…
48:53Explicit
Episode 2 - John
Professor John Willoughby, a neurologist and advocate for voluntary assisted dying (VAD), reflects on his journey of supporting legislative change to ease end-of-life suffering. Prof Willoughby discusses current limitations in VAD laws, advocating for more accessible options, especially for patient…
22:04Explicit
Episode 1 - Janelle
Janelle reflects on her mother’s decision to pursue Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) after a progressive illness. Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website at https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state or by contacting your …
41:59Explicit