First assisted dying permit issued under Victorian new euthanasia law

The first permit has been issued in Victoria to a person seeking to end their life after laws came into effect in June allowing end of life decisions.

Western Australia government brings on assisted dying bill Source: Getty Images/davidhills

The first permit allowing a person to end their life has been issued in Victoria after laws took effect in June allowing euthanasia.

The voluntary assisted dying laws allow terminally ill adults to end their lives after two medical professionals have signed off on the application, and a cooling-off period has passed.

The Herald Sun reports on Wednesday at least one permit has been issued, but the identity of the person and their condition remains private, with the Department of Health and Human Services refusing to confirm if any other patients have begun the process.

"We know that doctors are talking to patients about voluntary assisted dying and are carrying out assessments," a department spokesman said.

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