Some of Western Australia’s sickest people could be one step closer to ending their own lives, as new guidelines for euthanasia laws were presented to state government on Thursday. The recommendations have caused fierce debate around the controversial issue, and do not allow people living with Alzheimer’s access to voluntary assisted dying. An expert panel has handed down its report to government to help draft legislation. You might also be interested in: It recommends that euthanasia can only be available to adults with an advanced illness whose suffering can’t be relieved and who are likely to die in under 12 months. They must also have the appropriate decision-making capacity. Reflection period Safeguards include ensuring that the patient is assessed by two doctors, with a "reflection period" of at least nine days from the first request. Two witnesses must also prove they won’t benefit financially from the patient’s death. "It […]