Letting go – of control, fear, and clinging – is not a failure, but a path to peace, compassion, and deep spiritual clarity at the end of life.

Carol Perry, a Senior Lecturer with Melbourne Insight Meditation, brings over 45 years of experience in the Insight (Vipassana) tradition of Buddhism. Carol explores how Buddhist teachings on impermanence, suffering, and letting go intersect with the realities of Voluntary Assisted Dying.

Drawing from personal stories, ancient suttas, and her retreat discussions with Laureen, Carol unpacks the Buddhist view of death not as an enemy to fight, but as a profound opportunity to release suffering. With compassion at the heart of her reflections, she reframes VAD as an act of love and clarity – not harm. Her message is both grounding and empowering: spiritual wisdom resides in lived experience and present-moment awareness.

Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website at https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state or by contacting your State Health Department.

If listening to this podcast raises distressing issues for you, please contact one of the following support services:

Griefline (https://griefline.org.au/) 1300 845 745
Grief Australia (https://www.grief.org.au/) 1800 642 745
Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14, or chat online 24 hours a day

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tianna and Kate both work within South Australia’s Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) service. Tianna, a VAD liaison officer, and Kate, a VAD care navigator, assist individuals navigating the VAD process. They discuss the support they provide, from initial inquiries to coordinating assessments and ensuring patients and families feel informed and supported.

They reflect on their motivations for joining the VAD service, the challenges within the system – such as legislative restrictions and limited practitioner involvement – and the deeply personal experiences of those choosing VAD. Both highlight the importance of choice, autonomy, and dignity in end-of-life care. They emphasise the need for more trained practitioners to sustain the service. Through their experiences, they’ve witnessed the profound impact VAD has on patients and families, reinforcing the value of compassionate, informed, and patient-centred care.

Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website at https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state or by contacting your State Health Department.

If listening to this podcast raises distressing issues for you, please contact one of the following support services:
Griefline (https://griefline.org.au/) 1300 845 745
Grief Australia (https://www.grief.org.au/) 1800 642 745
Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14, or chat online 24 hours a day

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eve’s mother, Marion, accessed voluntary assisted dying in 2023 after living with multiple chronic health conditions. Eve reflects on her mother’s resilience, selflessness, and determination to maintain control over her life despite significant challenges. She also describes the difficulties they encountered during the application process, delays in approval, and the emotional toll on their family. Ultimately, Eve recounts her mother’s peaceful final moments and how this experience has motivated her to advocate for improvements in voluntary assisted dying legislation.

Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website at https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state or by contacting your State Health Department.

If listening to this podcast raises distressing issues for you, please contact one of the following support services:
Griefline (https://griefline.org.au/) 1300 845 745
Grief Australia (https://www.grief.org.au/) 1800 642 745
Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14, or chat online 24 hours a day

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.