Search

The Belgian Euthanasia Act of 2002 decriminalizes the practice of Voluntary Euthanasia in Belgium. 1,2 It grants legal authorization to a patient to request to be euthanized by a physician if the former is suffering from unbearable physical or mental illness with no hope of recovery and if certain legal, medical, and ethical requirements are met. Concurrently, it decriminalizes the practice of Voluntary Euthanasia by a physician, to depart from the transcendental first do no harm role of the Hippocratic physician to become a 'for hire to either cure or to kill' role of the pre-Hippocratic physician. 3,4 Although The Act axiomatically upholds the drafters' original intent to allow for the lawful practice of Voluntary Euthanasia, certain pertinent sections in The Act are problematically uncertain and unpredictable, allowing for arbitrary interpretations of the law. The paper will highlight the fatally flawed pertinent sections followed by proposals for reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Belgian model of 'integral' end-of-life care consists of universal access to palliative care (PC) and legally regulated euthanasia. As a first worldwide, the Flemish PC organisation has embedded euthanasia in its practice. However, some critics have declared the Belgian-model concepts of 'integral PC' and 'palliative futility' to fundamentally contradict the essence of PC. This article analyses the various essentialistic arguments for the incompatibility of euthanasia and PC. The empirical evidence from the euthanasia-permissive Benelux countries shows that since legalisation, carefulness (of decision making) at the end of life has improved and there have been no significant adverse 'slippery slope' effects. It is problematic that some critics disregard the empirical evidence as epistemologically irrelevant in a normative ethical debate. Next, rejecting euthanasia because its prevention was a founding principle of PC ignores historical developments. Further, critics' ethical positions depart from the PC tenet of patient centeredness by prioritising caregivers' values over patients' values. Also, many critics' canonical adherence to the WHO definition of PC, which has intention as the ethical criterion is objectionable. A rejection of the Belgian model on doctrinal grounds also has nefarious practical consequences such as the marginalisation of PC in euthanasia-permissive countries, the continuation of clandestine practices and problematic palliative sedation until death. In conclusion, major flaws of essentialistic arguments against the Belgian model include the disregard of empirical evidence, appeals to canonical and questionable definitions, prioritisation of caregiver perspectives over those of patients and rejection of a plurality of respectable views on decision making at the end of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Cultura y Religión is the property of Miguel Angel Mansilla Aguero and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ernst Rüdin (1874-1952) was one of the founders of psychiatric genetics. From 1931 until 1945, he was Director of the German Institute for Psychiatric Research (Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Psychiatrie, DFA) and from 1935 until 1945 President of the German Association of Neurologists and Psychiatrists. The historical knowledge on Rüdin is reconsidered, using new sources, and with a focus on Rüdin's involvement in the Nazi program of patient killings ('euthanasia'). It is documented that (1) it is a misconception to interpret psychiatric genetics as 'instrumentalised' by the Nazi regime; (2) Rüdin belonged to the group of psychiatric perpetrators who worked to give the Nazi selection policies scientific authority; (3) Rüdin knew early on about the patient killings and refused to support others in their efforts to stop them; and (4) the research in the context of the patient killings carried out by Julius Deussen, a member of Rüdin's team at the DFA, was initiated and actively supported by Rüdin, and co-financed by the DFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No law in any jurisdiction that permits physician assisted dying offers individuals a medically assisted death without the need to comply with certain criteria. The Netherlands is no exception. There is evidence to suggest that physicians are averse to providing an assisted death even when the Dutch 'due care criteria' have been met and the unbearable pain and suffering requirement is especially difficult to satisfy. Some individuals with an enduring desire to die who do not meet the 'due care' criteria under the Dutch legislation turn to other means of achieving a self-appointed death. This paper explores two alternative methods of securing a self-determined death (an assisted death involving lay assistors or a self-hastened death by stopping eating and drinking), and raises the question of how far the law should recognise autonomy in the context of physician assisted death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks at the practice of euthanasia, focusing on its legitimacy and legality. Euthanasia policies in India are reviewed from an international human rights perspective. The author considers the differences between voluntary, non-voluntary, and involuntary euthanasia as referenced by the Constitution of India. Legal aspects of euthanasia in India are discussed, noting the difficulties of separating the practice from the criminally punishable act of suicide. The view of euthanasia discussed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is also reviewed.

The article argues on the extension and abuse of the House of Lords of Lord Joffe's Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill in tolerating physician-assisted suicide (PAS) in the U.S. It notes the Bill's failure of integrating fundamental recommendations created by the Select Committee. It suggests assumptions indicating that the Bill would have justified even more revolutionary relaxation of the law. Several core provisions of the Bill are further outlined.

'Individual actions, which may ostensibly be seen as for humane purposes, can have inimical consequences for a whole category of people.' This is one of the concluding comments in the affidavit from Not Dead Yet Aotearoa (NDYA) in the Lecretia Seales court case (Wicks and Hunt, 2015), and it is the starting point here. The community of disabled people and their interests is the focus of this article, which elaborates on some of the probable consequences of changing the law to legitimise euthanasia or assisted suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People who wish to end their lives when they consider that they cannot endure further pain and suffering cannot legally obtain help to produce a peaceful death. The reality of practice seems to be that, covertly, physician-assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia do take place. The value of personal autonomy in issues of consent has been clarified in the courts in that a competent adult person has the right to refuse or choose alternative treatments even if death will be the outcome. This issue needs open discussion and regulation in order to protect those vulnerable people in our society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comments on the line that is drawn between killing and letting die and states that the controversy is illustrated by a series of cases. Dr. Jack Kevorkian and the `suicide machine'; Actions by the courts; Legal prohibitions against physician assisted dying; Other aspects.

Presents excerpts reprinted from the June 1995 Canadian Senate Report, `Of Life and Death,' which contains the special committee's authorization to investigate and report on the public policy concerns over assisted death and euthanasia. Palliative care; Pain control and sedation practices; Withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment; Advance directives; Assisted suicide; Euthanasia.

Discusses the constitutional provision on the right of a person to die. Deregulation of assisted suicide and euthanasia; Michigan law prohibiting assisted suicide; ACLU argument for the existence of a constitutional right to assisted suicide; Privatization of death and the limits of individual autonomy; Euthanasia and assisted suicide in the Netherlands.

Responds to the Bruce Wilkinson's comment on Russel Ogden's proposals of euthanasia and aid in dying policy in Canada. Opportunity to accurately measure and regulate euthanasia activity; Issues on proper palliative care; Violation of the values of respect for the individual; Religious aspects concerning the proposed policy.

Opinion. Comments on the issues raised by Russel Ogden in his policy proposals on the legalization of euthanasia in Canada. Advising one on the finality of dying; Weaknesses in Ogden's position on dying; Concept of an elite board appointed by the Minister of Health that will have the final decision-making power over who is to live or die.

Focuses on different medical sciences developments in Great Britain. Acceptance of British Medical Association on the general practitioner fundholding; Amendment of trade union and employment rights bill; Rejection on the legalization of euthanasia.

Focuses on the Remmelink Committee and its impact on the end-of-life legislation. Investigation of medical decisions concerning the end of life by physicians by the Remmelink Committee; Broadening of the debate about physician aid-in-dying to include life-terminating acts not explicitly requested by the patient; Legal position of the physician; Criteria for consideration; Implications.

Recommends the crimilalization of assisted suicide. The case of Dr. Jack Kevorkian and the Michigan legislature action; Question of `right' to commit suicide; Question of whether `right to die' includes right to assisted suicide; Distinguishing assisted suicide from active voluntary euthanasia; Dangers of establishing a right to assisted suicide.

The article presents the case of a 55 year old woman from the Netherlands with end stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who requested euthanasia to end her life. The course of her illness which included increased pain and dyspnoea is discussed. The statutory criteria for legal euthanasia in the Netherlands includes the explicit request of the patient, suffering with no prospect of improvement, an informed patient, and no reasonable alternative. The requirement for an independent doctor's opinion and medical care at termination are also included. INSET: A SISTER'S PERSPECTIVE.

The article focuses on the increasing number of cases of mental health issues high suicidal rates among the veterinarians of Great Britain. Particular focus is given to the factors leading to the mishap which includes professional isolation, accessibility to euthanasia drugs, and managerial responsibilities. Other topics addressed include the electronic or e-mental health support services which thrive on providing qualitative working life.

The article presents the author's views on euthanasia laws in Australia. The author also presents the research on the medical ethics and the care of older people and their mental health. Topics discussed including medical law of Australia, suicide of young adults, and the physical health of Australians.

The article presents the author's argument that the lack of psychiatric treatment adds a penal dimension to euthanasia system of Belgium. The issue emerged following a case of a Belgian national, Frank van den Bleeken, who was granted euthanasia while detained on psychiatric grounds. A ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in 2013 that the lack of adequate care for a mentally-ill sexual offender has amounted to inhuman or degrading treatment.

The article focuses on the report of the Commission on Assisted Dying in Great Britain on the provision of assisted dying to terminally ill people. It mentions that the report is in accordance to the recommendations from an expert panel of the Royal Society of Canada that assisted suicide or euthanasia should be legalized. It also cites the recommendation of the Commission, which is headed by Charles Falconer, for a statutory framework for assisted dying.

The article profiles Ellen Wiebe, a clinical professor in the Department of Family Practice at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. According to the article, she has been a supporter of women's right to choose abortion and now she is providing medical assistance for people who are dying. It reports that Canada passed a legislation in June 2016 making physician-assisted suicide legal and since then Wiebe's clinical practice is devoted to assist patients in death.

The article presents the author's opinion on bioethics and the legalization of euthanasia in Colombia. The author discusses the approval, on September 16, 2008, of a Colombian law that regulates euthanasia and assisted suicide. He distinguishes between the medical obligation to alleviate suffering and pain and the option to suppress pain and induce death. The author argues that euthanasia is a crime, a mortal attack on the dignity of human beings, which is at the base of Colombian constitutional law.

The article discusses the issues associated with the proposed physician-assisted dying regulation in Canada. The difficulty of the government and hospitals to develop guidelines and institution-specific policies pertaining to the proposed regulation is discussed. The implications of the absence of federal or provincial guidelines regarding the proposed regulation and the optimism of the medical professional to present a united vision of the law are offered.

Focuses on a protest by anti-euthanasia protest groups in England. Reaction of physician J.G. Howe, a consultant geriatrician at Airedale Hospital. The case involving Tony Bland, a fan who was crushed during the Hillsborough football ground disaster; Ethical dilemmas involving patients in a permanent vegetative state; The Law Lords judgment on Bland; More.