First Do No Harm: Pressing Concerns Regarding Euthanasia in Belgium

International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, July 13, 2013

27 Pages Posted: 25 Jul 2013

See all articles by Raphael Cohen-Almagor

Raphael Cohen-Almagor

University of Hull; Middle East Study Centre; Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Date Written: July 13, 2013

Abstract

This article is concerned with the practice of euthanasia in Belgium. Background information is provided; then major developments that have taken place since the enactment of the Belgian Act on Euthanasia are analysed. Concerns are raised about (1) the changing role of physicians and imposition on nurses to perform euthanasia; (2) the physicians' confusion and lack of understanding of the Act on Euthanasia; (3) inadequate consultation with an independent expert; (4) lack of notification of euthanasia cases, and (5) organ transplantations of euthanized patients. Some suggestions designed to improve the situation and prevent abuse are offered.

Keywords: Belgium, Euthanasia, Physician-assisted suicide (PAS), Monitoring, Safeguards, Terminal sedation

JEL Classification: I00, I1, I10, I18, I19, Z00

Suggested Citation

Cohen-Almagor, Raphael and Cohen-Almagor, Raphael, First Do No Harm: Pressing Concerns Regarding Euthanasia in Belgium (July 13, 2013). International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, July 13, 2013, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2297802

Raphael Cohen-Almagor (Contact Author)

University of Hull ( email )

Cottingham Road
Hull, Great Britain HU6 7RX
United Kingdom

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.hull.ac.uk/faculties/staff-profiles/raphael-cohen-almagor.aspx

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars ( email )

One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20004
United States

Middle East Study Centre ( email )

Cottingham Road
Hull, HU6 7RX
United Kingdom
0044-1482 465024 (Phone)
0044-1482-466208 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://hcc.haifa.ac.il/~rca

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