The following statement is from Tony Brennan, the Regional Director of Mission at Calvary St John’s Hospital. In it, Mr. Brennan explains the philosophy underpinning Calvary’s decision to not provide assisted-suicide services in its hospitals.
At the heart of Calvary’s mission is a deep and enduring belief in the inherent dignity of every human life. This dignity does not depend on health, independence or productivity. It is present from the beginning of life to its natural end, and it is never lost through illness, disability, ageing or vulnerability.
Calvary exists to heal where possible, to care always, and to never intentionally cause death. Our understanding of care is grounded in the belief that every life is worthy of compassion, respect and protection, especially when people are at their most fragile.
Importantly, Calvary will never block or interfere with a person’s lawful choice to access VAD elsewhere. Nor do we turn away from people who raise questions about it. When someone in our care expresses interest in VAD, we respond with respect, sensitivity and compassion. We listen. We remain present. We continue to care.
In all that we do, we seek to affirm this truth: every life matters, every person matters, and dignity is never lost.
In Tasmania, the End‑of‑life choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Act 2021 sets out a legal framework for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). The act came into effect in October 2022 and includes provisions for an independent review which opens in May and June 2026. While this legislation forms part of the broader health system in which we operate, Calvary’s response is shaped first and foremost by our values.
No one is abandoned at Calvary — especially at the end of life. Our staff are there to have the difficult conversations, to accompany people and families through fear and uncertainty, and to ensure that every person feels heard, valued and cared for until the very end.
Some practices, including voluntary assisted dying, are not consistent with Calvary’s ethic of care. For this reason, Calvary does not participate in any step of the VAD process. This includes making formal requests, assessing eligibility, or administering substances intended to directly cause death. This position is not about judgment or exclusion. It flows from our long‑held commitment to protect life and to care without condition.
We take suffering seriously. People approaching the end of life can experience pain and distress that is physical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual. Calvary is committed to walking with people through this suffering — not by hastening death, but by relieving pain, addressing distress, offering presence, and providing holistic care that honours the whole person. We also respect a person’s right to refuse treatments that are overly burdensome or no longer helpful.
Tony Brennan
Regional Director of Mission
Calvary St John’s Hospital
Image credit: Calvary St. John’s website.
For information about end-of-life care, please go to our Supports page.
