Austria proposes law to decriminalise 'assisted suicide' for terminally ill patients

Austrian government, on Saturday, submitted a draft law that would legalise assisted suicide for 'seriously ill' adults in country. Once approved, new decree would allow 'chronically or terminally ill' patients to seek help in ending ir own lives as early as next year. It is pertinent to te that under Section 78 of Austrian Criminal Court, “assisted suicide” is a criminal offence. However, a verdict passed by country’s apex court last December asserted that banning Euthanasia jeopardises a person’s right to self-determination. 

"Seriously ill people should have access to assisted suicide," federal chancellery said in statement.

What are provisions of proposed law?

According to Austrian Justice Department, all patients seeking help would be required to get attested by two doctors-one of whom will have to be qualified in palliative medicine. ir primary task would be to examine if patient is in condition to conclude on his own. In addendum, a 12-week gap would be given before access is granted, to ensure that suicide is t saught amid a temporary crisis.  

How many countries have legalised Euthanasia?

Euthanasia/Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland, Nerlands, Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada Colombia, Australia, US, France and New Zealand. However, rules differ. For instance, in Switzerland, action is considered illegal if it involves a “selfish motive” while in Spain, parental approval is required for children below of 16.  

Spain is most recent country to allow assisted suicide. In December, country passed a law that decriminalises euthanasia and suicide assisted by a physician leading European nation to join few countries that allow terminally ill patients to legally obtain help to end ir lives. As per New York Times report, Spanish draft law was presented in February by incoming Socialist-led government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez before being passed in December.

Im: AP