Euthanasia Laws in Queensland Criticized for Lack of Oversight
Euthanasia Laws in Queensland Criticized for Lack of Oversight
Queensland's coroner has slammed the state's euthanasia laws, warning of 'further calamity and heartbreak' if reforms aren't made. The laws, which went into effect on 1 January 2023, have been criticized for their lack of medication safety and prevention of deliberate misuse. The coroner held an inquest after a man died after taking a voluntary assisted dying substance intended for someone else. The decision to permit self-administration without the presence of a medical professional has also been criticized, as it has led to an 'outcome which has caused very significant distress to the family and a life has been unnecessarily lost'.