More and More Countries Legalize Voluntary Assisted Dying
More and more countries are legalizing voluntary assisted dying, also known as physician-assisted dying or euthanasia. This allows a doctor or nurse practitioner to provide life-ending medication to an individual who requests it.
What are the Rules?
The legal rules for voluntary assisted dying vary by country, and what it’s called also differs. In countries like Australia and New Zealand, voluntary assisted dying is only available to people who are terminally ill. For example, in Australia, a person must have an advanced, progressive condition that is generally expected to cause death within a certain time frame (six to 12 months, depending on the state).
Our Research
We looked at the role disease plays in voluntary assisted dying. We analyzed publicly available data from 20 jurisdictions in eight countries between 1999 and 2023.
What did We Find?
Most people who accessed voluntary assisted dying had cancer (66.5% of cases). Neurological diseases were the second most common (8.1%), followed by heart (6.8%) and lung (4.9%) conditions.
What Does This Tell Us?
Cancer and ALS, which appear to be the main reasons people access voluntary assisted dying, have very little in common. But both often cause a more rapid decline in health and a greater perceived loss of dignity.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
Our study doesn’t rule out that a range of factors, including poor access to services, may influence some cases. But it helps clarify common misconceptions about what drives voluntary assisted dying. Further research should look at why cancer and ALS make up the largest proportion of cases. If voluntary assisted dying is primarily about swift decline and loss of dignity, we must focus on new ways to support patients facing these challenges.
Conclusion
Voluntary assisted dying can promote autonomy and compassion, allowing people who are suffering to choose when and how they die. However, our findings don’t diminish the importance of protecting vulnerable people. Robust safeguards to ensure decisions are voluntary and only eligible people have access, as well as high-quality palliative and supportive care, are essential in any voluntary assisted dying framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is voluntary assisted dying?
A: Voluntary assisted dying, also known as physician-assisted dying or euthanasia, is the practice of allowing a doctor or nurse practitioner to provide life-ending medication to an individual who requests it.
Q: How many countries have legalized voluntary assisted dying?
A: As of 2023, 282 million people live in regions where voluntary assisted dying is legal.
Q: What are the most common underlying diseases among people who access voluntary assisted dying?
A: Cancer and ALS are the most common underlying diseases among people who access voluntary assisted dying.
