Euthanasia in Spain

Euthanasia (pronounced: yoo-thuh-ney-zhuh) is the act of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering. The term is derived from the Greek words eu (good) and thanatos (death), meaning "good death". In Spain, euthanasia has been a topic of ongoing debate and legislation.

History

The history of Euthanasia in Spain has been marked by various legislative changes. The practice was illegal until 2021, when the Spanish Parliament passed a law legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide for patients with serious and incurable or debilitating diseases who want to end their life.

Legislation

The Euthanasia Law in Spain was passed on March 18, 2021, making Spain the fourth country in the European Union to legalize euthanasia, after the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The law allows for both euthanasia, where a doctor administers lethal drugs, and assisted suicide, where the patient self-administers the lethal drugs under medical supervision.

Procedure

Under the law, the patient must make the request to die through a written document, without any pressure, and must repeat the request 15 days later. The request then goes through a process of approval involving several healthcare professionals and a regional oversight board.

Controversies

The legalization of euthanasia in Spain has been met with controversy. While some argue that it is a matter of personal freedom and human rights, others, including the Catholic Church and conservative political groups, argue that it devalues life and could lead to abuses.

Related Terms

Assisted suicide: The act of intentionally helping another person to end his or her life, often by providing the means to do so.
Palliative care: An approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness.
Right to die: The belief that individuals have a right to die with dignity and, in some cases, be assisted in doing so.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Euthanasia in Spain
Wikipedia's article - Euthanasia in Spain

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Euthanasia in Spain