In which country is euthanasia permitted?
Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering.
Different countries have different euthanasia laws. The British House of Lords Select Committee on Medical Ethics defines euthanasia as "a deliberate intervention undertaken with the express intention of ending a life, to relieve intractable suffering". In the Netherlands and Belgium, euthanasia is understood as "termination of life by a doctor at the request of a patient".
The Dutch law however, does not use the term 'euthanasia' but includes the concept under the broader definition of "assisted suicide and termination of life on request".
More Info:
en.wikipedia.org
What are your thoughts on this subject?
33 Comments
Julie Allen
Currently, voluntary euthanasia and/or doctor-assisted suicide is legally available in Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and in six US States (California, Colorado, Montana, Oregon, Vermont and Washington State).
Pierre Poirier
Mary Gini Fudge Chapman, and as a Canadian, i will use it if i get a terminal illness with unbearable pain
larrywagner
When my time comes, and I'm in pain or a burden, I"ll be the one to make that choice.Why let doctors or hospitals suck my life savings away.
Mary Gini Fudge Chapman
Also permitted in The Netherlands, Colombia, Luxembourg and Canada.
Ian Swindale
It's what I would want if I was in awful pain, etc. There has been one law case here in South Africa where the Judge did give consent although the patient died just before his judgement was given. It has since been held that euthanasia is not permitted in SA but Dignitas do have a presence of sorts here.
Pam Tyler
Thank God there is somewhere to go for the suffering.
lucy james
Julie Allen, Australia too now.
Anita Fiorini
This really surprised me.
dvdeaton
Belgium was the only one of the listed countries in Western Europe, and not a part of the former Soviet Union, as the other countries were, so I went with that...
Oscar BaAye
So long as the person performing the act is of sound mind and is by his/her own volition
Donna Smith
Missed it.
joesmoothfoster
Dr. Kevorkian was a genious at granting people their wishes to die. Who'll want to be a vegetable all their life?
ninakamwene
Julie Allen, Thank you for educating us. I did NOT know that California is one of them. Every country should have it. It is my life and I should terminate it if there is no longer quality of life and only suffering. Folks should have the choice. Be Healthy and safe Julie.
pawlick
You need to update this it’s 2011 and as of 2018 it’s legal in a lot of other countries!
Char
Terry Evans, OK now that makes sense because I knew they put Kevorkian away for it here. I haven't caught up on all current laws.
Char
tesla alset, you are right
Char
Jenny Devereaux, the real embarrassing things in life are people like you. Buzz off find another place to drop your meanness
Char
tbear, it happens to the best of us. I remembered reading about it long ago I just couldn't remember where. I know Kevorkian was jailed here for it..
Char
I knew I read about thus long ago just couldn't remember what country. I hate when I do that
Jak
As of 1.2020 there are four additional states in United states. Ten total.