Not since the Howard government voided the Northern Territory’s Rights of the Terminally Ill Act in 1997 has a doctor been able to legally assist an Australian to die with dignity.

However, if the bill passes parliament next year, that is exactly the option that will be open to terminally ill Victorians who meet a series of strict criteria.

Understandably, emotions run high whenever the prospect of a government moving to legalise euthanasia rears its head. It is undoubtedly a complex issue deeply personal in nature that challenges each individual’s morals and ethics.

There are no blanket right or wrong answers when it comes to a person staring mortality in the face. But there are many compelling reasons why introducing voluntary euthanasia to give terminally ill patients options is the mature and humane course of action.

Anyone who has nursed a terminally ill person in their final weeks can attest to the loss of dignity their loved one suffers.

The crippling pain from the disease destroys their body. The pain-control medication robs them of their mind.

It is a doctor’s duty to relieve a person’s suffering, but some suffering can only be relived by death.

A terminally ill patient, fully informed and completely rational, who comes to the decision that death is preferable to weeks or months of suffering should have their wishes respected.

That is not to say there is an absence of strong arguments against the state sanctioning assisted dying.

Any legislation coming before parliament next year must be sufficiently robust to safeguard against the unscrupulous actions of relatives or a mentally ill mind.

Some will oppose it on religious grounds. That is their right, but the religious beliefs of a few cannot be allowed to dictate policies for the many.

This is not a decision the Andrews government has arrived at easily. The parliament’s investigation into euthanasia has been exhaustive. 

A vote in favour of the legislation will give Victorians the option of the second greatest gift of all – a dignified death.

- Ross Tyson, deputy editor