Switzerland Euthanasia How to Apply, Netherlands Euthanasia

Check Switzerland Euthanasia How to Apply Online. Netherlands Euthanasia : where is euthanasia legal 2024.

Switzerland Euthanasia Apply Online

In the Netherlands, euthanasia involves an attending physician administering a fatal dose of medication at the patient’s explicit request. The law also permits physician-assisted suicide, where the physician provides the drug, but the patient self-administers it. Palliative sedation, however, is distinct from euthanasia; it involves rendering the patient unconscious with pain-relief drugs until death occurs naturally. Euthanasia and assisted suicide are legally permissible only when they comply with the criteria outlined in the Dutch Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act.

Adherence to these criteria ensures the physician is protected from criminal prosecution. Requests for euthanasia generally come from patients enduring unbearable suffering with no chance of improvement. These requests must made with sincere and steadfast intent, although there is no absolute right to euthanasia and no compulsory duty for doctors to perform it. Read the complete article to know more about Switzerland Euthanasia.

Euthanasia :

1. Definition : Active steps taken to end a person’s life to alleviate their suffering.

2. Who Performs the Act : The final, fatal act is carried out by someone other than the individual, such as a doctor.

3. Voluntary Euthanasia : When the individual has requested this action.

Applying for Euthanasia or Assisted Suicide in Switzerland :

1. Eligibility Criteria

Residency : Swiss law permits assisted suicide for residents and non-residents, but the latter often involves stricter conditions and additional requirements.
Mental Competence : The individual must mentally competent and able to make an informed decision.
Voluntariness : The request must voluntary, informed, and persistent.
Terminal Illness or Severe Suffering : Typically, the person must experiencing severe, incurable suffering or a terminal illness, though the exact requirements can vary by organization.

2. Contacting an Organization

Organizations : There are non-profit organizations in Switzerland that assist with euthanasia and assisted suicide, such as Dignitas, Exit, and Lifecircle.
- Dignitas: dignitas.ch
- Exit: exit.ch
- Lifecircle: ifecircle.ch
Initial Inquiry : Contact the chosen organization to discuss the process, eligibility, and requirements.

3. Application Process

Submit a Request : Complete and submit an application form, which will usually require personal details, medical records, and a statement of intent.
Medical Evaluation : Provide documentation from healthcare professionals, including evidence of your medical condition and suffering.
Psychological Assessment : Some organizations may require a psychological evaluation to ensure the decision is well-considered.

4. Evaluation and Consultation

Review : The organization will review the application, medical records, and personal statements.
Consultations : You may need to meet with medical professionals or representatives from the organization for further consultations.

5. Decision and Procedure

Approval : If approved, you will receive detailed information about the procedure.
Procedure : Assisted suicide typically involves the ingestion of a lethal dose of medication provided by the organization. The procedure is usually carried out in a controlled environment, often at a clinic or a designated location.

6. Legal and Practical Considerations

Legal Documentation : Ensure all legal documentation is in order. You may need to sign consent forms and legal agreements.
Travel Arrangements : If you are traveling from outside Switzerland, arrange for travel, accommodation, and any necessary documentation.

Additional Information

Consultation : It is highly recommended to consult with legal and medical professionals familiar with Swiss euthanasia laws to navigate the process effectively.
Ethical and Emotional Considerations : Reflect on the ethical and emotional aspects of this decision, and seek support from counselors or support groups if needed.

Countries Permitting Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide :

Country	Legality	Criteria	Additional Info
Netherlands	Both euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal	For patients with unbearable suffering and no prospect of improvement	Available from age 12; parental consent required for those under 16. Requires consultation with at least one independent doctor.
Belgium	Both euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal	No age restriction for children with a terminal illness	Considered one of the most liberal countries in terms of end-of-life care.
Luxembourg	Both euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal	Similar to Belgium, with specific guidelines	–
Canada	Both euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal	Varies by province with specific requirements	–
Colombia	Both euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal	Only terminal patients can request it	–
Switzerland	Assisted suicide is legal	Assistance must not motivated by selfish reasons	Widely practiced through not-for-profit organizations.
United States	Assisted suicide is legal in several states	Typically available for terminal illness, specifics vary by state	States include California, Colorado, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.
Australia	Assisted suicide is legal in the state of Victoria	–	New legislation took effect recently.

Global Figures on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide :

Switzerland:
- 2003 : 187 cases of assisted suicide.
- 2015 : 965 cases of assisted suicide.
Netherlands:
- 2017 Figures : 6,585 cases of voluntary euthanasia or assisted suicide.
- Percentage of Total Deaths: 4.4%.
- Breakdown:
  - Euthanasia : ~96% of cases.
  - Assisted Suicide : <4% of cases.
- Common Condition : Largest proportion involves cancer patients.
Reasons for Euthanasia vs. Assisted Suicide in the Netherlands:
- Control : Doctors may prefer euthanasia for better control over dosage and procedure timing.
- Practical Issues : Patients in advanced stages may find it difficult to drink the lethal solution required for assisted suicide.
- Medical Procedure : Euthanasia is sometimes viewed as a medical procedure, leading to a preference for physician-assisted actions.
General Observations :
- Prevalence : Euthanasia is less common compared to withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, even in jurisdictions where it is legal.

Situation in the UK :

Legality :
- Euthanasia : Illegal; can result in a murder charge.
- Assisted Suicide : Illegal; could lead to up to 14 years in prison.
Occurrence:
- Euthanasia : Rare, with estimates suggesting about 0.2% of deaths involve voluntary euthanasia.
- Assisted Suicide : No recorded instances in studies.
Legal Treatments:
- Treatment to Relieve Distress : Not illegal if it may indirectly shorten life; not considered euthanasia.
- Refusal of Treatment : Legal for patients to refuse treatment, even if it shortens their life.
- Withdrawal of Medical Care : Legal for doctors to withdraw care in specific cases, such as in a vegetative state, sometimes referred to as passive euthanasia.

Suicide Tourism :

Netherlands:
- Not formally prohibited, but physicians must ensure patients meet criteria.
- Likely scrutiny from regional committees if a physician provides euthanasia to an unknown patient.
Switzerland:
- Notable for assisted suicide.
- In 2018, 221 individuals traveled to Switzerland for this purpose:
  - 87 from Germany
  - 31 from France
  - 24 from the UK

Public Opinion on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide :

UK:
- A 2017 survey showed:
  - 93% approval or openness to doctor-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients.
  - 78% support for doctors ending the life of a terminally ill person on request.
  - 39% support for a close relative performing euthanasia.
  - Lower support for euthanasia in non-terminal illness cases or where patients are dependent but not terminally ill or in pain.

Medical Professional Views :

Doctors’ Perspectives:
- Some argue it contradicts the principle of “do no harm.”
- Others believe good palliative care might make assisted dying unnecessary.
- Dominic Wilkinson: Some health professionals think assisted dying is not always needed with proper end-of-life care.
Royal College of Physicians:
- Shifted to a neutral stance in 2024 after a poll showed:
  - 43.4% opposed assisted dying.
  - 31.6% supported it.
Royal College of GPs:
- Initiating a consultation with members on the issue.
Netherlands:
- 2015 survey of 1,500 physicians:
  - 90% of GPs and 87% of elderly care physicians supported the Dutch euthanasia and assisted suicide laws.
  - Laws were shaped with medical input.

Success and Controversies of Euthanasia Laws :

Initial Success:
- High support for Dutch laws.
- Initially focused on terminal cancer cases, but now includes other conditions.
Expanding Scope:
- Increase in requests for non-terminal conditions.
- Concerns about euthanasia for psychiatric disorders and advanced dementia.
- 2017 RTE report highlighted controversies, especially regarding psychiatric patients and advanced dementia cases.
Malpractice Allegations:
- 2018 saw investigations in the Netherlands and Belgium for potential breaches of euthanasia laws.
- Increased likelihood of criminal investigations for non-compliance with criteria.

Euthanasia and Newborn Infants

Euthanasia and Newborn Infants :

Criteria for Termination of Life :
- Suffering & Prognosis: Child’s suffering must unbearable, with no prospect of improvement; diagnosis and prognosis must certain.
- Consensus: Physician and parents must agree there are no reasonable alternatives.
- Parental Consent: Parents must consent and fully informed about the diagnosis and prognosis.
- Independent Review: At least one independent physician must confirm the criteria.
- Careful Execution: Termination must performed with due care.

Late-Term Abortion :

Legal Limit: Allowed up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Exceptions: Late-term abortions after 24 weeks are excluded and fall under criminal law, requiring notification to the review committee.
Criteria for Late-Term Abortion:
- Severe Disorder: Unborn child must have a disorder deemed untreatable post-birth.
- Suffering: Unborn child must or likely to in severe suffering with no improvement.
- Mother’s Request: Mother must explicitly request termination due to suffering.
- Full Explanation: Physician must fully explain the diagnosis and prognosis to parents.
- Independent Review: At least one independent physician must verify criteria.
- Careful Execution: Abortion must performed with due care.

Physician Notification Procedure :

Immediate Notification: Physician must notify the municipal pathologist post-termination.
Pathologist & Prosecution: Pathologist contacts Public Prosecution Office for funeral consent and sends case details to the Central Committee of Experts.
Review & Decision: Committee assesses due care; Public Prosecution Service decides on any action against the physician.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE >> Switzerland Euthanasia >> government.nl

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