Citation

Vachon M. Psycho Oncologie 2013; 7(3): 182-188.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Société française de psycho-oncologie, Publisher Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s11839-013-0428-4

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The Quebec Government is about to adopt Bill 52, which suggests legalization of euthanasia in the form of medical aid in dying despite important oppositions from palliative care experts. In such a context of controversy, the aim of this paper is to offer a critical and clinical point of view on the Quebec proposition of euthanasia legalization. Three main questions will be developed: First, we will explore the question of suffering relief within the current legal framework of Quebec. Second, the potential risks and benefits associated with Bill 52 will be assessed. Last, we will question the compatibility of euthanasia with Quebecor social values, as well as its compatibility with the palliative care philosophy. In conclusion, an alternative suggestion to the current bill will be proposed. © 2013 Springer-Verlag France.

Language: fr

Keywords

human; law; Euthanasia; risk assessment; Palliative care; article; dying; euthanasia; social psychology; palliative therapy; Assisted suicide; risk benefit analysis; Suffering; Medical aid in dying; patient comfort