For the first time, a person has been cryopreserved in Australia, in the hope of being reanimated in the future. The process opens up a possible legal minefield, however.
Ben White, Queensland University of Technology; Casey Haining, Queensland University of Technology; Lindy Willmott, Queensland University of Technology, and Rachel Feeney, Queensland University of Technology
The NT government has invited views on access to voluntary assisted dying. But whether it should include access for those with dementia is not so clear cut.
One person said they wanted a VR experience that allowed them to explore Paris again.
Students in a death and dying class have the opportunity to become a ‘death ambassador,’ in recognition of their new level of awareness that could help foster healthy conversations about death and dying.
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All of us face loss and the reality of our own mortality. Whether through in-person discussion or over social media, let’s build communities that support people navigating death and dying.
Ben White, Queensland University of Technology and Lindy Willmott, Queensland University of Technology
The first Australian Capital Territory voluntary assisted dying bill in more than 25 years was tabled in parliament yesterday. So what will MPs vote on? And how is it different to state legislation?
Ben White, Queensland University of Technology; Eliana Close, Queensland University of Technology; Lindy Willmott, Queensland University of Technology, and Ruthie Jeanneret, Queensland University of Technology
Finding a supportive doctor willing and qualified to assess your eligibility for voluntary assisted dying sometimes depends on luck.
Given how quickly MAID eligibility has changed in Canada in the past six years, it is time we take a step back to ask whether current MAID practice is still something we want to support.
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Since 2016, Canada’s practice of offering MAID has followed a trajectory of ever-expanding eligibility. The ultimate expansion would make MAID available to anyone who wanted it, for any reason.
A group of colourfully dressed women mourning a death in India.
Alamy/Maciej Dakowicz
It’s been a long time coming. But this latest news means the ACT and NT could draw up their own voluntary assisted dying laws, bringing them into line with the states.
The subject of death can be a difficult one to broach.
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Views on death and the afterlife vary from person to person and culture to culture. This course gives US Air Force cadets a broad perspective on mortality and its effects on people and society.
When Chloe Hooper’s partner was diagnosed with leukaemia, she struggled to talk about the possibility of his death with their two young children. She found the words in books.
Beth Saunders, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Alternative beliefs like spiritualism seem to experience resurgences in times of crisis. Taggart has spent the past 20 years exploring the oft-misunderstood religion.
We have moved beyond burning witches and lynching wrong-doers. So we should also stop shaming unvaccinated people. There are better ways to change behaviour.
Ben White, Queensland University of Technology; Lindy Willmott, Queensland University of Technology, and Marcus Sellars, Australian National University
Interviews with 32 doctors who provided voluntary assisted dying services in Victoria found layers of bureaucracy made it difficult for patients to access the system. Some died while waiting.
Evidence suggests messages the patient thought to be crystal clear often appear unclear to doctors and family.
Improving death-friendliness offers further opportunity to improve social inclusion. A death-friendly approach could lay the groundwork for people to stop fearing getting old or alienating those who have.
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