What exact words do I need to say to ask about VAD?

Australia · 29 August 2026 · 6 min read · Reviewed by Dr Kane Treble

You do not usually need magic words to ask about voluntary assisted dying (VAD).

General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. It cannot tell you whether particular words will meet the law in your state or territory. VAD request rules differ, so confirm the wording and process with the official VAD care navigator service, doctor or authorised VAD practitioner where you live.

You do not usually need magic words to ask about voluntary assisted dying (VAD). But your words should be clear. If you only hint, the doctor may not be sure whether you are asking about VAD, palliative care, stopping treatment, pain relief, or fear about dying.

If you want information only, say that. If you want to make a formal first request, say that clearly too.

If you only want information

You could say:

"I want information about voluntary assisted dying. I am not making a formal request today."

Or:

"Can you explain voluntary assisted dying and whether it might apply to someone in my situation?"

Or:

"I want to understand all my end-of-life options, including voluntary assisted dying, palliative care and stopping treatment."

This can help the doctor understand that you are asking for information, not necessarily starting the formal process. In NSW, Queensland and Victoria, official information makes clear that asking for information or making general enquiries is not the same as a first request.

If you want to make a formal first request

If you have decided you want to start the VAD process, be direct:

"I want to make a first request for voluntary assisted dying."

Or:

"I want to ask for access to voluntary assisted dying."

Or:

"Will you help me access voluntary assisted dying medication?"

The exact legal test differs by jurisdiction. Queensland says the request must be clear and unambiguous, made by the person, and made to a doctor. NSW says the doctor must be able to understand that you are asking for VAD. Victoria says no particular words are required, but the request must make clear that you are asking the doctor for help to end your life.

In the ACT, you ask an authorised doctor or nurse practitioner to access VAD. Tasmania and South Australia have their own legal wording and process. Ask the care navigator if you are not sure how to make the request properly.

If you find it hard to speak

You can ask about communication support. Many jurisdictions allow a request to be made by gestures or another communication method available to the person. Interpreters, speech pathologists or communication aids may be used, but there can be legal rules about who can interpret or assist.

A family member may help you prepare or attend the appointment. They generally cannot make the formal VAD request for you. This matters because VAD must be voluntary and come from the person.

If you are worried the doctor will misunderstand

You can write your sentence down and take it to the appointment. You might also tell reception you need a longer appointment to discuss end-of-life options.

If you want a general conversation, put that in the first line:

"I want information about VAD, but I am not asking to start the formal process today."

If you do want to start:

"I want this appointment to be my first request for voluntary assisted dying, if you are able to accept it."

The doctor may ask questions to check what you mean. That does not mean you have said something wrong. They may need to confirm whether you are asking for information, making a first request, or asking about other end-of-life care.

Avoid relying on vague hints

Statements like "I can't go on", "I wish this would end" or "I don't want to suffer" are serious and should be heard with care, but they may not be clear enough to be treated as a VAD request. They may also signal pain, depression, fear, family stress or symptoms that need urgent help.

If you mean VAD, say VAD. If you mean you need help now because things feel unbearable, say that too.

What about the Northern Territory?

The NT legislation portal recorded the Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill 2026 as passed on 27 August 2026, but I could not verify an official operational scheme or commencement date. Until official NT information confirms the pathway, people in the NT should not assume that any particular wording can start a VAD process there.

When to get help now

If your words are about immediate danger, despair or feeling unable to stay safe, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 in an emergency.

If your suffering is linked with symptoms such as pain, breathlessness, agitation, confusion, vomiting or bleeding, contact your treating team, palliative care service, GP, after-hours health service or 000 if it is life-threatening.