Assisted Dying: Expanding Rights, Deepening Debate

Globally, nine countries across three continents have legalized physician-assisted death, with more considering it. This expansion reflects a growing desire for individuals to control the terms of their death, mirroring autonomy in other life choices, even in culturally conservative regions. Public debate is intensifying as eligibility criteria expand beyond terminal illness to include irremediable suffering from conditions like depression and schizophrenia.

Key challenges involve defining who should be eligible. While most laws initially covered terminal illnesses, many have extended to those with chronic conditions. Countries like Canada are grappling with excluding individuals with mental illness, leading to legal challenges. Consent for minors varies, with some nations allowing children over 12 to request assisted death independently. The Netherlands is re-evaluating approvals for adolescents seeking relief from psychiatric suffering.

Advance requests are becoming a significant consideration, allowing individuals with cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer's, to consent to assisted death before losing capacity. This raises further questions about who decides when it's time for those unable to consent. As this practice evolves, it prompts ongoing ethical discussions and legal scrutiny worldwide, pushing the boundaries of personal choice and medical ethics.