Euthanasia in the World

Although many websites have different countries listed as legalizing euthanasia, our group found that Belgium and the Netherlands came up quite frequently. Also, we found a couple of sources who mentioned Japan as one to allow euthanasia. However, for Belgium, two doctors have to be part of the process as well as a psychologist if the doctors feel that the patient does not fully understand, or have enough knowledge of what he or she is doing. In the Netherlands, not only do they allow euthanasia, but also allow assisted suicide and therefore the rules are a little more laid back. Japan is a little different between the previous two countries. Reason being is even though the Japanese are allowed euthanasia, they don’t really want it. Whereas people in many countries are arguing that they should be able to what they want with their lives and the law should not step in. The reason for this is because in Japan, suicide is often frowned upon because of the taboos they have. However, euthanasia does legally occur in rare circumstances. Lastly, Switzerland, although they do not allow euthanasia, Switzerland allows assisted suicide.



Humphry, Derek. "Assisted Suicide Laws Around the World." Assisted Suicide. 01 Mar. 2005. Web. 01 May 2012. http://www.assistedsuicide.org/suicide_laws.html