EUTHANASIA AND MENTAL DISORDERS: DOES ONLY PHYSICAL SUFFERING JUSTIFY THE RIGHT TO A DIGNIFIED DEATH?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63177/mns.2025.19Keywords:
euthanasia, medically assisted suicide, the right to a dignified death, mental disorders, unbearable suffering.Abstract
The author addresses the controversial issue of the right to euthanasia for patients diagnosed with mental disorders. To explain the topic's significance, the author highlights the prevalence of mental disorders, briefly defines them, and presents their symptoms. Analyzing the legislations of the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Austria, the author focuses on the medical criteria required by these countries in euthanasia/medically assisted suicide procedures. In doing so, the author critically examines whether mental disorders can meet the required criteria of a severe and incurable illness, as well as whether these disorders in a patient can cause unbearable suffering. Finally, the author considers whether mental disorders can affect a patient's ability to make a relevant decision regarding the ending of their life and provides concluding reflections on the topic.
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