Telehealth Divide in Voluntary Assisted Dying | Sydney News

A woman in Adelaide, Sandra Sarantou, is set to access voluntary assisted dying tomorrow — but her story highlights a critical injustice: people in regional Australia are being denied this care because of outdated laws requiring in-person consultations. Diagnosed with aggressive lung cancer just nine weeks ago, Sandra’s pain medication no longer works, and she’s grateful for the choice to end her life on her own terms — unlike her father, who suffered without that option. Yet, traveling long distances for medical assessments is proving deadly for others, forcing some to miss out entirely. Families are now pleading that telehealth could have saved lives. MPs including Kate Chaney and Sarah Hanson Young are pushing for legal reform, backed by Labor delegates who voted to support telehealth and conscience votes. But Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opposes it, insisting face-to-face meetings are essential. Experts like Dr. Christopher Rudge argue telehealth can be safely integrated without weakening safeguards — since state laws already include rigorous protocols. Sandra, once a paramedic who knows the rural struggle firsthand, demands change so everyone — no matter where they live — can access this vital care. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/607790facb54439f