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Journalism of Courage
The Netherlands
It pioneered euthanasia permissiveness in 2002 with an Act allowing euthanasia for children as young as 12,although only five cases that young have been recorded since. There has been a 10-20 pc rise in euthanasia cases per year since 2006,from 1,923 to 4,188. The legislation recognises the validity of a written declaration of will of the patient regarding euthanasia,which can be used when a patient is in a coma or unable to state their choice.
Belgium
If its new law comes into force,Belgium will be the first to remove the age limit on euthanasia. Parents would have to approve the decision and a psychologist would evaluate the childs ability to choose experts have questioned the practicality of this. The current law permits euthanasia for those in a medically hopeless situation. It is also available to adults who are not terminally ill. This year,an anorexic woman suffering memories of childhood trauma was euthanised,as were deaf twins who learned they had a genetic condition that would likely make them blind.
Switzerland
Assisted suicide is legal,but not euthanasia. The country first released assisted suicide statistics in 2009,laying bare a 700 pc rise from 43 to 297 from 1998 to 2009. Amongst those travelling from abroad to end their lives at the notorious Dignitas facility in Forch,near Zürich,are many who could not be described as terminally ill but suffering from diseases like arthritis,blindness,spinal injury,diabetes,mental illness etc. They included cases of people who could have lived for decades or people who were essentially well but could not bear to live without their spouses.
Canada
Quebec is considering adopting a law which would allow assisted suicide for the terminally ill as well as the mentally anguished. The controversial Bill 52 proposes rules that resemble those of the Netherlands and Belgium,adopted in 2002. The Quebec Human Rights Commission,however,is recommending that children and other vulnerable people have access to euthanasia. The Coalition of Physicians for Social Justice said that it will petition the Attorney-General of Canada to do everything possible to prevent the Bill from taking effect.
United States
Euthanasia is illegal in all states. Physician aid in dying PAD,or assisted suicide,is legal in four states. Euthanasia entails the physician to administer the medication,whereas PAD requires the patient to do it themselves. The Death With Dignity Acts allow people who are terminally and/or hopelessly ill to ask for lethal medication. Patients must make two verbal requests and one written request that is fully witnessed. Loss of autonomy,a diminished ability to participate in activities that make life enjoyable,and loss of dignity are most frequently cited for ending life.
