In a world where technology has revolutionized healthcare, it's disheartening to see a telehealth ban standing as a barrier between patients and their right to access medical care. This issue hits home for me as I sit with the Smith family, who have been directly affected by this restrictive law.
The federal government's refusal to lift the ban on telehealth for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) discussions is a glaring oversight. It forces individuals, especially those in remote communities, to endure unnecessary travel and pain to exercise their legal rights.
The Impact on Remote Communities
Take the case of Jason Smith, who lives just 20 kilometers away but had to endure a three-hour journey to reach Parliament House. Jason, a Motor Neurone Disease (MND) patient, is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those seeking VAD. MND, a devastating disease, has a survival rate of only five years for most, yet Jason has defied the odds, living with the disease for eight years.
His condition has progressed to the point where he requires constant monitoring and assistance, and his greatest fear is choking to death. It's no wonder that on the very day VAD became legal in the ACT, he was the first to apply.
The Church's Opposition
The Catholic Church has been a vocal opponent of VAD, arguing that powerful end-of-life drugs can alleviate pain. However, this argument fails to address the broader issue of suffering, which includes the loss of dignity and hope.
As Bishop Charles Gauci of Darwin puts it, more should be done to help the medically helpless. But what the Church fails to acknowledge is that VAD provides individuals with control over their own destiny, a choice that should not be denied.
The Vatican's stance on VAD as an "intrinsically evil act" is a stark reminder of the Church's influence on healthcare. With the Catholic Church being Australia's largest non-governmental healthcare provider, their values often take precedence, even in publicly funded hospitals.
A Choice Denied
Imagine if Jason had been forced to spend his last days in a faith-based hospital, where VAD is not supported. He would have either been denied his right to choose or faced the arduous task of traveling to another hospital, a burden no one should have to bear.
Fortunately, Jason was able to die at home, surrounded by love. It's a choice that the Catholic Church would have taken away from him, a choice that is deeply personal and should be respected.
A Call for Change
As we look towards the NT Parliament's vote on VAD later this year, it's crucial to remember the impact of this law on individuals like Jason. The telehealth ban is a barrier to accessing healthcare, and it's time for a change.
In my opinion, the federal government must reconsider its stance and allow telehealth to play its part in providing equal access to healthcare for all, regardless of their location or beliefs.
