Understanding voluntary assisted dying (VAD) and its impact on grief
Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is a crucial end-of-life option, which offers people with a terminal illness choice and control over the timing and circumstances of their death, reducing their suffering. VAD is now legally available across all six Australian states and in New Zealand. It will also be available in the ACT from November 2025. While this represents a significant milestone, the process of accessing VAD is complex and highly regulated, involving rigorous safeguards that can be emotionally taxing for VAD applicants and their families, friends and caregivers.
For many people, the choice to pursue VAD is deeply personal and often shrouded in privacy due to concerns about stigma, community attitudes, or fear of judgment. This privacy can intensify the grieving process, raising critical questions:
- Does VAD make grief more complicated for families?
- How does grief after a VAD-related death differ from other forms of bereavement?
- Where can families turn for support without fear of judgment or misunderstanding?
Griefline, in collaboration with Dying with Dignity Victoria, is addressing these important questions. At the recent VADANZ conference in Brisbane, Griefline’s Counselling Coordinator, Kerrie Arthur, and Jane Nosworthy from Dying with Dignity Victoria presented findings from a groundbreaking, Australian-first pilot program of VAD-specific grief and bereavement support. Those findings are summarised in this white paper:
“VAD-Specific Grief and Bereavement Support: Learnings from an Australian-First Pilot Program.”
The conference presentation highlighted the unique challenges of VAD-related grief and demonstrated the success of a collaborative pilot program offering tailored support for those navigating this complex journey. Conference participants recognised bereavement as an area requiring urgent attention, with the work of Griefline and DWDV paving the way for transformative support services.
Resources to help you navigate VAD grief
If you or someone you know is coping with grief after a VAD-related loss, Griefline has created a practical guide to help.
👉 Coping with grief after voluntary assisted dying: A guide for family and friends
Expanding support for VAD-affected families
With generous funding from Dying with Dignity Victoria, Griefline is proud to announce the continuation of national VAD support groups throughout 2025. This includes an innovative monthly drop-in group for families experiencing anticipatory grief—providing compassionate guidance to those preparing for a loved one’s VAD journey.
Ready to connect with others who understand? Learn more and sign up here:
Download the white paper: insights you need
The insights shared in this white paper offer valuable perspectives for anyone supporting or working with families impacted by VAD. Download the full white paper to explore:
- How the VAD process shapes the grief experience.
- Key learnings from the Australian-first VAD support group pilot program.
- Practical recommendations for improving bereavement care in the context of VAD.
