Navigating dementia and voluntary assisted dying laws: a comparison of Australian and Canadian frameworks

This column conducts a comparative analysis of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) legislation in Australia and Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) framework, with a focus on access for individuals with dementia. At present, VAD legislation in Australian jurisdictions excludes this significant segment of the population, creating a barrier to accessing end-of-life care. In contrast, Canada's MAiD framework offers a more inclusive model that balances access and safeguards for individuals with neurodegenerative conditions. The column identifies critical areas for potential reform, including the removal of explicit exclusion of dementia patients, introduction of advance request or consent waiver provisions, and modification of eligibility criteria to accommodate progressive cognitive decline better. This comparative analysis provides a foundation for a more inclusive, rights-based approach to VAD legislation across Australia.