English Nursing 2023-24
Module 6 (LP8)
English
Essay
SUBJECT:
Euthanasia
, Table of contents
Extended version..............................................................................................................2
Final version.....................................................................................................................4
Reference list....................................................................................................................6
self-reflection report.......................................................................................................7
Selfie with international partner..................................................................................7
1
, Extended version
Euthanasia should, under strict criteria of due care, be legalized worldwide.
Introductory Paragraph
Euthanasia remains a controversial topic globally, with the legality of both euthanasia
and assisted suicide varying from one country to another. In this essay, the
healthcare systems regarding euthanasia and assisted suicide will be compared
across the following three countries: firstly, the Netherlands; secondly, the United
States; and thirdly, Belgium.
Firstly, the Dutch legislation sets a good example for other countries to emulate in
terms of its stringent and meticulous approach to euthanasia. As a result of this
approach, individuals are more inclined to opt for euthanasia as a pathway to a
dignified end-of-life, aligning with their personal values and preferences; this can
clearly be seen in statistics. Therefore, annually, there is a notable increase in the
number of reported cases of euthanasia and assisted suicide compared to the
previous year (NPV-Zorg voor het leven, 2021). In fact, in 2022, the Regional
Second Paragraph
Euthanasia Review Committees (RTE) received an impressive 8,720 reports of
euthanasia, marking a substantial increase from the 2,054 reports documented in
2001, coinciding with the introduction of the Termination of Life on Request and
Assisted Suicide Review Procedures Act (Wtl) (Gunst, 2023). Moreover, the existence
of stringent care requirements in the euthanasia law, such as consulting at least one
independent physician by the doctor's patient, provides an essential safeguard for an
ethically responsible and legitimate practice of euthanasia (Ministerie van Algemene
Zaken, 2023). Therefore, other countries should adopt similar stringent and meticulous
legislative frameworks regarding euthanasia to ensure that individuals have the option to
pursue a dignified end-of-life in accordance with their own values and preferences, as
evidenced by the success of the Dutch approach.
Secondly, the United States must consider establishing uniform legislation legalizing
assisted suicide and euthanasia across all states. So far, nine states and the District
of Columbia have legalized assisted suicide, while an additional state - Montana -
theoretically allows the practice due to a court ruling. However, euthanasia remains
prohibited throughout the US (McKeown, 2024). As a result, there is significant
variation in access to end-of-life options depending on geographical location, leading
to disparities in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Therefore, confusion and
Third Paragraph
legal complexities are created for both patients and healthcare providers by this lack
of uniformity, hindering the ability to make informed decisions about end-of-life care.
Moreover, without consistent regulations, patients may face undue burdens and
barriers when seeking access to assisted suicide or euthanasia, undermining their
autonomy and dignity in the final stages of life. Furthermore, establishing uniform
legislation would promote equity and ensure that all individuals have equal access to
compassionate end-of-life options, regardless of where they reside. Accordingly,
implementing consistent laws nationwide for assisted suicide and euthanasia is essential
in ensuring equitable access to end-of-life options and upholding individual autonomy
and dignity.
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