to add to this. a different country, but my state yesterday passed a bill allowing legal euthanasia -
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-29/euthanasia-passes-parliament-in-victoria/9205472
it's only for the terminal ill, but it is a step in the right direction..
WHO CAN APPLY?
• Adults with a progressive, advanced terminal illness and less than six months to live or within 12 months for neurodegenerative diseases
• Suffering must be deemed "intolerable"
• They must be of sound mind
• Must have lived in Victoria for at least 12 months and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
HOW WILL IT WORK?
• Patients must make three, clear requests
• Patients must initiate discussion of assisted dying and no one else
• They will be assessed by two experienced doctors, including at least one specialist
• Those approved will be granted permits for lethal medications, which must be self-administered
• A permit will be given for doctors to administer medication only where the patient is physically unable
• Only chemists at The Alfred Hospital will be able to prepare the medication
• Doctors do not have to be present when patients administer medication
• The process to apply and receive medication will take at least 10 days
• Unused lethal medication must be returned within 15 days of death
• The Department of Health and Human Services will approve applications
• An independent review board will oversee each step of the process
• Death certificates will record "voluntary assisted dying"
• The coroner must be notified of assisted dying deaths
PENALTIES FOR MISUSE
• If someone breaches the self-administration permit, they face potential life imprisonment
• Anyone who induces a person to request assisted dying faces up to five years jail and substantial fines
• Doctors who suggest the assisted dying scheme to patients face a professional misconduct investigation
www.dailymail.co.uk
