Euthanasia gagging clause ‘threatens’ doctor-patient relationship
Victorian doctors face AHPRA sanctions if they initiate a conversation on assisted dying
A gagging order preventing doctors from initiating discussions on euthanasia with patients has been branded an “unwarranted infringement” on doctor-patient communication.
The clause is part of the Victorian voluntary assisted dying laws that came into effect last June.
Its inclusion in section 8 (see box below) aims to prevent healthcare practitioners from unduly influencing or coercing vulnerable patients.
Failure to comply exposes the state’s doctors to a charge of “unprofessional conduct” under the National Law.
