Word list

This list explains what the bold words in this document mean.

A doctor having a conversation with a patient. The doctor is writing down notes.

Assessment

An assessment will help your doctor work out:

  • how your illness or medical condition affects your life
  • if you are eligible for voluntary assisted dying.

A 'Citizen' legal document with a map of Australia on it.

Citizen

A citizen is someone who is a member of a country by law.

A death certificate with a gravestone on it.

Death certificate

A death certificate is a legal document that includes information about why a person died.

A person holding a rules document. The document has ticks next to each item on it.

Eligible

To be eligible, you must meet the rules about who can use voluntary assisted dying.

An interpreter translating for 2 people.

Interpreter

An interpreter is someone who:

  • uses your language
  • helps you understand what someone is saying.

A person supporting someone lying down in a bed.

Palliative care

Palliative care is support for when you are near the end of your life.

A map of Australia with a tick on it, and a 'Citizen' document with a cross on it.

Permanent resident

A permanent resident is someone who is allowed to live in Australia, but they are not a citizen.

A pharmacist showing a person some medication.

Pharmacist

A pharmacist is a person who:

  • works at a pharmacy
  • gives you medicine.

A prescription document with an icon of a bottle of medication on it and a signature.

Prescription

A prescription:

  • is a document from your doctor
  • tells a pharmacist which medication to give you.

A person having a conversation with a psychologist about their experiences.

Psychologist

A psychologist helps people with how they think and feel.

A rules document with a magnifying glass next to it.

Review

When a doctor reviews your decision, they check that you still meet the rules for voluntary assisted dying.

A person with their head faced down. They are covering their face with their hand.

Suffering

When you are suffering, it means you are struggling a lot.

For example, you might feel:

  • a lot of pain in your body
  • very sad and worried
  • like you can't enjoy your life.

A person in a hospital bed being cared for by a doctor. The person in the bed has a speech bubble with an icon of a cross over themselves in it.

Voluntary assisted dying

Voluntary assisted dying is when a person asks a doctor for help to end their life.

A witness supporting someone. They have a thought bubble with the person they are supporting in it.

Witness

A witness is someone who knows you, such as a:

  • friend
  • neighbour
  • support worker.