Young woman, 25, Opts for Voluntary Assisted Dying Amidst Debilitating Illness
Adelaide, South Australia - Annaliese Holland, a 25-year-old woman battling a severe and debilitating illness, has chosen to pursue Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) as a means of finding peace and control over her final days. Facing relentless pain and the prospect of a prolonged, agonizing decline, Holland views VAD not as giving up, but as a heroic act of reclaiming agency after years of fighting.
Holland’s decision comes after exhausting all available treatment options and grappling with the fear of a future dominated by suffering. “The pain of starving to death when they can’t feed me anymore, or the horror of sepsis. Knowing I can go when the time is right is just a huge relief,” she explained. Her story highlights the growing debate surrounding end-of-life choices and the increasing availability of VAD and Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) options for terminally ill adults in certain parts of Australia.
Initially hoping for euthanasia, which requires self-administration of prescribed medication and remains illegal, Holland is now pursuing VAD and MAID, legal options in South Australia and othre regions. She describes the decision as “one of the bravest things you could ever do,” emphasizing it’s not about surrender, but about having “had enough” and “fought bloody hard.”
Holland shares her journey on Instagram (@annaliese_holland), documenting her experiences and advocating for greater understanding and acceptance of VAD as a compassionate option for those facing unbearable suffering. She expresses feeling “so lucky that I do have this choice.”
