High-profile church leaders say Victoria's plan to legalise assisted dying will undermine confidence in doctors and amount to the government endorsing suicide.
Catholic Archbishop Denis Hart and Anglican Archbishop Philip Freier are among a group of Victorian religious leaders who signed a joint letter published on Monday, rejecting the push for assisted dying legislation.
"Once the fundamental principle to do no harm and never kill is removed from our medical practice, the integrity of our health system is compromised," the letter reads.
"It would be counter-productive to legally endorse any form of suicide when our governments and community groups are working so hard to persuade others that it is not a solution to take their own life."
The church leaders, who include Orthodox Bishop Ezekiel and Lutheran Bishop Lester Priebbenow and others, also argue there are no guidelines that can prevent error, coercion or fraud.
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"No 'safeguards' will ever guarantee that deaths under the proposed laws will be completely voluntary."
A cross-party committee of MPs last year recommended Victoria come up with a bill to legalise assisted dying and the government plans to introduce it for debate before the end of the year.
An expert panel provided 66 recommendations to build the legal framework for assisted dying.
Premier Daniel Andrews said he expected "robust debate", but wants it to be respectful.
"My own conscience tells me that this is a change that needs to be made," he told reporters on Monday.
"Once you can put the safeguards in place, then there really is no reason to deny (to) those who want this choice at the end of their life; there's no reason not to give them that choice."
Mr Andrews changed his mind on assisted dying after watching his father die from cancer.
"Just as there are some faith leaders who are upset about the scheme, there are others who argue and advocate that we go much further," he said.
But Deputy Premier James Merlino agrees with church leaders, and says he plans to vote against the bill.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
