Death is never easy. Each person’s journey is unique. The healing process of each survivor is also unique. And that is why each person should also be able to have the power to decide whether he wants to continue that journey through life, or simply end the way due to an incurable ailment, terminal illness, or infinite suffering that does not allow living normally.
Thus, for a long time there have been terms such as Euthanasia, palliative care, living will, or assisted suicide, specifically in Spain, when yesterday, December 17, the Congress of Deputies passed the law that decriminalizes euthanasia, opening a window of hope for some people who have seen themselves in the need to help their relatives to have a dignified death. Still, there is confusion about the meaning of each of the terms and what it consists of.
What is euthanasia?
The term euthanasia comes from the Greek morphe, which means “good,” and on the other hand the word “thanates,” which translates as death. Thus, it could translate into good death, although the right thing to do is to talk about death without suffering without physical or peaceful suffering.
Euthanasia refers to deliberately ending someone’s life, usually to alleviate suffering. Sometimes, doctors perform euthanasia when asked for by people who have a terminal illness and are in great pain.
It is a complex process where a team of doctors who are responsible for administering the drugs to the patient always has to be present, and also involves weighing many factors: local laws, a person’s physical and mental health, and personal beliefs and desires play a role.
Assisted suicide vs euthanasia
Assisted suicide is sometimes called doctor-assisted suicide (PAS). It means a doctor consciously helps someone end their life. This person is likely to experience persistent and endless suffering. They may also have been diagnosed with terminal illness. Your doctor will determine the most effective painless method.
In many cases, doctors will provide people with a medicine they can take to end their lives. For this, a lethal dose of opioids can be prescribed, for example. In the end, it’s up to the person to decide whether to take the medication.
With euthanasia, a doctor can end the person’s life by undolo means. For example, an injection of a lethal drug may be used.
Volunteer vs non-voluntary
If someone makes the conscious decision to seek help to end their life, they are considered voluntary euthanasia. The person must give his or her full consent and demonstrate that he fully understands what will happen.
Non-voluntary euthanasia means that someone else decides to end someone else’s life. A close relative usually makes the decision. This is usually done when someone is completely unconscious or permanently incapacitated. It usually involves passive euthanasia, such as removing life support from someone who shows no signs of brain activity.
The approval of the law
Euthanasia was only legal in Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Canada, and the state of Victoria in Australia, joining Spain to this list yesterday December 17.
Although the text does not name assisted suicide itself, it considers within this “euthanasia context” both the direct administration of a substance by the competent health professional, euthanasia itself, as the prescription or supply to the patient of a substance, so that it can be self-administered, to cause his death, medically assisted suicide. Until now, assisted suicide could only be performed in Switzerland.
Who can ask for euthanasia?
The law states that it is necessary to possess Spanish nationality, to have legal residence in Spain, or to have a minimum of 12 months in Spanish territory certified through registration, as well as to be of age and be in full consciousness.
If the requirement to be aware is not met, the law gives the possibility that euthanasia may be applied if a document of instructions, vital wills, advance wills, or legally recognized equivalent documents have been signed, in which case the provision of aid to die may be facilitated by the provisions of that document. If you have appointed a representative in that document, you will be the valid interlocutor for the responsible physician.
How is the process authorized?
The first step will be to have the approval of the treating physician, who will also have to ask for an opinion from a physician who must have training in the field of the pathologies suffered by the patient – but not belong to the same team of the responsible doctor.
The following will be that evaluation committee will have to appoint two experts to evaluate the subject (one of them, a jurist). If both agree, the process will go ahead. Otherwise, you will have to decide the plenary of the committee. Once the request decides that the request is justified, it will inform the responsible doctor for the application of euthanasia or facilitate suicide. If in any step the request is rejected, the person concerned may claim before the commission and, if he does not agree with what it determines, in the face of the contentious-administrative jurisdiction.
What centers can be used to apply for the euthanasia process?
The provision of help to die will be carried out in public, private, or concerted health centers, and at home.
Can doctors refuse to perform euthanasia?
The law dictates that health professionals directly involved in the provision of help to die may exercise their right to conscientious objection.
All this must be manifested in advance and writing. It will be the duty of the health administration to ensure that the resignation of health workers does not harm the access and quality of care of the benefit.