Euthanasia: Political, Social And Health Dilemmas
By Ruwan M Jayatunge M.D -September 16, 2012
Dr. Ruwan M Jayatunge MD
You don’t need to kill the patient to kill the pain –Dr. Andre Bourque University of Montréal
Euthanasia or assisted suicide is a controversial topic that is defined as deliberate intervention undertaken with the express intention of ending a life, to relieve intractable suffering. Today several countries have legalized euthanasia and some view it as a human right. Those who support euthanasia point out that the importance of personal autonomy and self-determination, the right of every human being to have his / her wishes respected in decisions involving his / her own body and the recognition of every human being is in principle, master of his/ her own destiny.
In 2002 Holland became the first country in the world to legalize euthanasia and in 2003, 1626 cases were officially reported fromHolland. The Dutch euthanasia law gives doctors immunity from prosecution if they help to kill patients over the age of 12 who are suffering unbearably from incurable conditions and who have repeatedly requested euthanasia.
Euthanasia Guidelines in Holland
The Dutch laid out narrow guidelines for doctors: The patient, who must be suffering unbearably and have no hope of improvement, must ask to die. The patient must clearly understand the condition and prognosis and a second doctor must agree with the decision to help the patient die.
Euthanasia in Belgium
Belgiumlegalized euthanasia in 2002, but the laws seem to encompass assisted suicide as well. Since its legalization eight years ago, euthanasia now accounts for 2 per cent of deaths in Belgium- or around 2,000 a year. Two doctors must be involved, as well as a psychologist if the patient’s competency is in doubt. The doctor and patient negotiate whether death is to be by lethal injection or prescribed overdose.
Oregon Death with Dignity law
In 1994, voters in the state of Oregonapproved a ballot measure that would have legalized euthanasia under limited conditions. Under the Death with Dignity law, a person who sought physician-assisted suicide would have to meet certain criteria. In order to qualify for physician-assisted suicide, a person must be an Oregonresident, 18 years of age or older, must have decision-making capacity, and must be suffering from a terminal disease that will lead to death within six months.
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