Euthanasia: the role of the psychiatrist.
Belgium has become one of the few countries in the world where euthanasia is legally allowed within a specific juridical framework. Even more unique is the inclusion of grounds for requesting euthanasia on the basis of mental suffering. Further refinement of the legal, medical and psychiatric approach to the issue is required in order to clear up essential practical and ethical matters. Psychiatrists and their professional organisations need to play a greater role in this ongoing debate and contribute from a clinical, scientific and ethical point of view.
Naudts
Kris
K
Psychiatry Teaching Unit, Department of Forensic Mental Health Science, Institute of Psychiatry, PO Box 23, London SE5 8AF. k.naudts@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Ducatelle
Caroline
C
Kovacs
Jozsef
J
Laurens
Kristin
K
van den Eynde
Frederique
F
van Heeringen
Cornelis
C
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001530:Belgium; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D033101:Euthanasia, Active, Voluntary / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D009426:Netherlands; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D017236:Suicide, Assisted / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence