Annaliese Holland Approved for Voluntary Assisted Dying
Annaliese Holland, a 26-year-old from Adelaide, South Australia, has been approved for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) and plans to end her life in the coming months. Holland expressed a sense of empowerment regarding this decision, citing a prolonged illness.
Holland expressed a sense of empowerment regarding this decision, citing a prolonged illness.
Living with Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (AAG)
Holland was diagnosed with Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (AAG) at age 18, a rare condition where the immune system attacks the autonomic nervous system. This debilitating condition has profoundly impacted her life.
She describes living in chronic pain, requiring numerous daily injections, constant vomiting, and facing the impending removal of her teeth due to jaw dissolution. The challenges extend to her nutritional intake. Holland is fed intravenously and is nearing the end of accessible veins, with the risk of starvation if further complications arise.
The Decision for VAD
Holland's perspective on VAD changed after her diagnosis and after witnessing a friend, Lily Thai, who also had AAG, utilize VAD in 2023. This experience significantly influenced her own path.
A sepsis event following surgery last year prompted her to decide to pursue VAD, a decision her father ultimately supported.
VAD is available in most Australian states and territories for eligible adults with advanced, incurable illnesses likely to cause death within six to 12 months, as confirmed by two doctors.
End-of-Life Plans and Advocacy
Holland has chosen a private date for her VAD to protect her family. Rather than a traditional funeral, she plans a "celebration of life."
She has created a "f* it" list, which includes experiencing a wedding and hoping to witness a birth.**
Holland advocates for greater public discussion about VAD, particularly regarding current South Australian laws that prohibit health practitioners from initiating VAD discussions with patients. She also notes encountering doctors with personal objections to VAD within the health system.
Holland hopes her story encourages others to live fully and to discuss end-of-life plans openly.