“The report challenges Anglicare Sydney to respectfully,in compliance with the law,seek to dissuade residents from accessing VAD by ‘deed and word’,” it said.
“The Board of Anglicare Sydney decided … VAD will not be available at its residential aged care homes,and the organisation and staff will not actively participate in the provision of any VAD services,” said the report to the Synod.
From November 28,terminally ill adults experiencing “intolerable suffering” can apply to end their lives in NSW. Churches that opposed the law are grappling with how to balance legal obligations with religious objections.
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The Anglican report said its staff would not initiate discussions,provide information,or take an active part in a resident’s voluntary assisted dying.
“It should be recognised that the existence of VAD may well become an intolerable corruption to the service,thus precipitating the need for withdrawal from residential aged care provision in the future.”
The report listed the arguments to support dissuading people from pursuing VAD,such as staff confusing cries for help with requests for euthanasia,the church’s view that safeguards were inadequate,and that making VAD legal did not make it a valid choice.