Euthanasia for unbearable suffering caused by a psychiatric disorder : improving the regulatory framework

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DE HERT, Marc | VAN ASSCHE, Kristof

Medical assistance in dying (MAID) – defined as voluntary euthanasia and/or physician-assisted suicide – for people with a terminal illness is becoming available in more jurisdictions around the world. By contrast, MAID in people with a non-terminal illness and, more specifically, in people with a psychiatric disorder remains a controversial topic. Belgium is one of the very few countries where euthanasia for unbearable mental suffering caused by a psychiatric disorder is allowed. According to the 2002 Belgian Euthanasia Law, the eligibility criteria are: a) the euthanasia request is made by a legally competent adult patient; b) the request is voluntary, repeated, well-considered, and not the result of external pressure; c) the patient is in a medical condition without prospect of improvement; d) the patient experiences constant and unbearable mental suffering that cannot be alleviated; and e) the suffering is the result of a serious and incurable psychiatric disorder. To assess the fulfilment of these criteria, the attending physician must consult two independent physicians, including a psychiatrist. At least one month should pass between the date of the patient's request and the performance of euthanasia. After the euthanasia is performed, the attending physician must report this to the Federal Control and Evaluation Commission for Euthanasia, which is tasked with the a posteriori control1, 2. [Début de l'article]

http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/wps.21152

Voir la revue «World psychiatry, 23»

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