A recent poll shows there is overwhelming support for euthanasia to be legalised in WA.

Former AMA President Dr Michael Gannon told Oliver Peterson it’s impossible to ignore that 88 per cent of West Australians that want the bill to be passed.

“We’ve got to scratch a bit deeper on this option. We’ve got to look at what is underlying this fear of death, this fear of suffering late in a terminal disease process which drives these kind of poll numbers.

“…and work out if this Bill before the Lower House is the answer or if there is a better answer.”

Dr Gannon believes the palliative care situation in WA should be fixed rather than looking at this bill. He says data shows we need 50 or 60 palliative care specialists in this state, yet there is only fifteen.

“What your postcode is determines the level of care you get.

“Your access to palliative care depends on where you live and your means to pay.”

MPs will be debating the Voluntary Assisted Dying bill in Parliament tomorrow.

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