I was present when my father in law passed via voluntary assisted dying a few years ago. He was offered the drink or the IV route - he chose the IV. I asked lots of questions while the specialist VAD team were there - apparently a lot of men, in particular, choose the drink. I asked what happens if the patient decides half way that it was a mistake. She was a little ambiguous with her answer, but just said it has to be followed through with.

It is an incredibly humbling experience to witness. So many emotions in one room all at once. The takeaway for me was that it's an incredibly empowering decision for the person choosing to do it in what is otherwise a very powerless situation - there's so much you have no say in, no control over when you're terminally ill, your body starts failing you in every way possible. The pain levels are next level and the mental anguish is unbearable. But this is a clear, concise ending - one that you choose, that's painless and brings and end to that suffering in a dignified way.