Episode 20 – Dr Laureen Lawlor-Smith’s own reflections on VAD

Roles are reversed this episode as Dr Laureen Lawlor-Smith – who normally sits in the host’s chair – is interviewed by previous guest, Jane Nosworthy, VAD support group facilitator with Dying With Dignity Victoria.  Laureen shares her own perspective as a South Australian GP who has worked with around 160 people seeking Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). Motivated by decades of end-of-life care, including witnessing both peaceful and traumatic deaths, she argues VAD restores dignity, control and relief, particularly where palliative care cannot address loss of independence or suffering.  Laureen describes the emotional shift from early anxiety about new legislation and strict paperwork to calm confidence in a process she finds consistently gentle for patients and families. She outlines key system pressures: workforce shortages, limited remuneration, the risk of practitioner burnout, and the need for mentorship and debriefing supports. She also critiques barriers including prognosis thresholds, frailty, dementia, and South Australia’s “gag clause,” which inspired her to launch a public-facing podcast to demystify access.  Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website  at https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state or by contacting your State Health Department.  If listening to this podcast raises distressing issues for you, please contact one of the following support services: Griefline (https://griefline.org.au/) 1300 845 745 Grief Australia (https://www.grief.org.au/) 1800 642 745 Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14, or chat online 24 hours a day See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.