From left: Victorian Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings, Health Minister Jill Hennessy and Premier Daniel Andrews after the vote. Photo: Getty ImagesVictoria has become the first state in Australia to allow terminally ill patients to end their life as its legislature passed a euthanasia law that other states are expected to use as a template. Many countries have legalised euthanasia, including Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and some states in the United States, although the Australian government opposes it. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) opposes physician-assisted suicide, arguing that better palliative care can address pain and other symptoms of distress. The Victorian legislation sparked heated parliamentary exchanges, including a marathon 27-hour state parliament debate earlier in November.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 30, 2017 00:00 UTC