Advances and debates in end of life care

The French-speaking countries of Europe have trialed three different solutions to the difficult issue of end of life care. Following a 2005 law permitting the withdrawal of life support where it is judged to be disproportionate, since 2016 France has permitted continuous deep sedation for terminally ill patients. In doing so it follows in the footsteps of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, which allow euthanasia in certain circumstances, and Switzerland, where assisted suicide is permitted and has become somewhat of an institution in the country.
In the first article in this dossier, a French legal historian retraces the long history of assisted suicide and euthanasia, which goes back as far as ancient Greece. A French philosopher then methodically outlines the process that she believes must be followed in order to allow for a high-quality debate that explores all the ins and outs of the issue. A Belgian jurist explains the genesis of the 2002 euthanasia legislation in the Netherlands and Belgium and ponders the possible risks of mission creep, particularly concerning the normalization of the idea of a supposed “right to euthanasia.” These articles are followed by a report on the practice of assisted suicide in Switzerland, and a Christian perspective on euthanasia from an experienced French doctor. Finally, we hear from a Swiss doctor who is very familiar with the practice and debates in these three countries and expresses concern regarding the risk of normalizing assisted suicide…