Legal Aspects of Euthanasia

An Insight into the Legalities of Various Countries

There are various controversies surrounding the word “euthanasia.” Euthanasia can be defined as the intentional killing of an individual to spare the individual suffering that has become unbearable with the passing of time where there is no cure.

Categorization of Euthanasia

By Consent

It can be administered with or without consent; it is done without consent when the individual is incapable of making a decision. The controversial aspect here is, if the individual is not capable of making a decision, then who gets the legal right to do so, since there may be many people claiming to be worthy of that position.

By Means

Passive euthanasia means withholding treatment, medicines with complete awareness that such an act may lead to death. Non-active euthanasia is more controversial since it entails withdrawal of life support that most definitely can cause death. Active euthanasia is the most controversial of all because it uses lethal means to kill, like the use of dangerous substances.

Assisted Suicide

Under this form, the individual actively takes the last step toward ending his/her life.

Legal Position of the U.S.

A few cases worth mentioning in this context:
Montana: December 5, 2008- a Billings resident who had filed a lawsuit was granted permission. The ruling granted that competent, terminally ill patients can self-administer lethal medicines with the aid of a physician.

Oregon: In 1994, through the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, legalized physician assisted dying. Oregon was the first U.S. state to do so officially.
Texas: In 1999, Texas Futile Care Law gave the right to hospitals and physicians to withdraw life support of terminally ill patients where cure is not possible.
Washington: In 2008, assisted suicide in the state of Washington was made legal.

Position of some other countries:
Holland has legalized euthanasia since 2001. The laws in the Netherlands are the most liberal in the world where assisted suicide is concerned. Under Dutch law, administering lethal doses of medicines is allowed.