SW News: In the Australian state of New South Wales, 12 Labor MPs have pledged their support for the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill. On Monday, October 11, the lawmakers added their names to the list of co-sponsors of the bill.

The premier of the Australian state, Dominic Perrottet, said that everyone can vote for or against the bill depending upon their conscience. The bill will be introduced in parliament by Independent MP Alex Greenwich this week.

According to Greenwich, the legislation has 30 co-sponsors and crossbench members. On Monday, he said, "It will have more co-sponsors than any other bill has had in any Australian parliament, which shows the strong and broad support the bill has." He also hailed the endorsement of the bill by the Health Services Union NSW and the NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association.

Greenwich said that these two unions are the frontline of the state's health system, and they should approach the reform with care. He also said, "So many healthcare workers have seen the cruel suffering that people with terminal illnesses can experience and know the importance of people with a terminal illness being able to consult with their doctor to discuss a range of options in end-of-life care."

The bill will allow anyone suffering from a terminal illness who is expected to die within six months to seek euthanasia.

The bill says that no hospitals, facilities, or doctors will be forced to take part in euthanasia. According to Perrottet, "Conscience votes bring out the best in parliamentarians." If the bill is passed, New South Wales will become the final state in Australia to legalize assisted dying.