Euthanasia and assisted suicide in western countries: a systematic review

Authors

  • Mariana Parreiras Reis de Castro Universidade José do Rosário Velano - Unifenas BH
  • Guilherme Cafure Antunes Universidade José do Rosário Velano - Unifenas BH
  • Lívia Maria Pacelli Marcon Universidade José do Rosário Velano - Unifenas BH
  • Lucas Silva Andrade Universidade José do Rosário Velano - Unifenas BH
  • Sarah Rückl Universidade de Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Alemanha
  • Vera Lúcia Ângelo Andrade Universidade José do Rosário Velano - Unifenas BH

Abstract

In 2015 the issue of assisted death was widely publicized by the international media after the first legal euthanasia case was held in Colombia. Also in this same year, assisted suicide was legalized in Canada and in the state of California in the United States. Currently, assisted death is allowed in four Western European countries: Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland; two North American countries: Canada and the US, in the states of Oregon, Washington, Montana, Vermont and California; and Colombia, the sole representative in South America. From a systematic literature review, this work aims to establish the prevalence and the criteria adopted for the practice of euthanasia and assisted suicide in western countries and to discuss the position of similar countries where this practice is not recognized. A better understanding of the subject appears to be critical to the formation of opinions and the encouragement of further discussions.

Keywords:

Assisted death. Euthanasia. Assisted suicide. Palliative care.
Vol. 24 No. 2 (2016): Rev. bioét. (Impr.). 2016; 24 (2)

Published:

2016-07-20

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How to Cite

1.
de Castro MPR, Antunes GC, Marcon LMP, Andrade LS, Rückl S, Andrade VL Ângelo. Euthanasia and assisted suicide in western countries: a systematic review. Rev. bioét.(Impr.). [Internet]. 2016 Jul. 20 [cited 2024 Dec. 4];24(2). Available from: https://revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/1142