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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Legalization of assisted dying (AD), including euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, remains a highly contentious issue as more jurisdictions around the world consider AD laws. Important concerns exist related to legalization of AD with regard to vulnerable populations and monitoring and reporting systems.
METHODS: A selective literature review was performed to explore the developments under assisted dying laws globally. An array of issues and key publications were selected based on the authors' previous research and knowledge.
RESULTS: The experience in Belgium can provide an instructive example about the evolution of AD laws. Since legalization, AD practice has increased gradually (0.2% of all deaths in 2002-2003 to 2.4% in 2021), accompanied by a diversification of the patient groups and by broadening acceptance among physicians and the public. Fears relating to disregard of regulatory safeguards and thwarted palliative care development have largely been allayed. Nonetheless, there are important points that require continued attention, for which ongoing monitoring and research is essential.
CONCLUSION: Research in Belgium has not found evidence of suicide contagion, expansion to minors, or an increase in non-voluntary forms of life-ending. AD legislation should always be accompanied by careful consideration for integration into the health care system, physician training and support, possible conscientious objection, availability of palliative care services, clinical guidelines, public education, and monitoring systems. © 2022 Deutscher Arzte-Verlag GmbH. All rights reserved.
Language: en |