http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/2517420461

Euthanasia and assisted suicide international experiences

Over the last few decades, movements have arisen in a number of jurisdictions in favour of the legalization of physician-assisted suicide and, in some cases, euthanasia. At the same time, there continues to be vocal opposition to the elimination of criminal sanctions for individuals who either assist in or cause the death of a person who has requested that his or her life be terminated. This paper reviews developments in jurisdictions that already permit physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia (or both) in certain contexts, as well as developments in some jurisdictions that appear to be moving toward greater acceptance of these practices. It also summarizes some of the events that have contributed to the debate on this issue. An appendix at the end of this paper provides an overview, in chart format, of the current legal status of euthanasia and assisted suicide in various jurisdictions. The topic of withholding or withdrawing of treatment appears to be less controversial in Canada than euthanasia or assisted suicide, although there are some outstanding challenges to the application of the law on this topic in Canada and it is contentious in some other countries. However, that issue is beyond the realm of this paper.

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