Professor Brian Owler defends euthanasia ‘gagging clause’

The clause has been branded an 'unwarranted infringement' on doctor-patient communication
Professor Brian Owler
Professor Brian Owler.

The ban on doctors starting discussions around voluntary assisted dying will not stop any Victorian patients from accessing euthanasia, an architect of the scheme says.

There have been calls for the so-called gagging clause in section 8 (see box below) of Victoria’s assisted dying laws to be removed, amid claims it could impede doctor–patient relationships.