Portuguese parliament initiates debate on legalizing euthanasia

[RI]

In addition to what's been said above, legalized euthanasia frequently proceeds a slow expansion of the conditions requisite for its use followed by the terms socially acceptable and then the terms socially obliging. The Netherlands is a perfect example of the shifting Overton Window on the issue. When people are euthanized for being alcoholics, having PTSD, or for "social isolation," something's gone seriously wrong.

[Mike88]

What is wrong with Portugal?  Aren't they Catholic?

Yes, around 80% of the population say they are Catholic but only 20% go to mass regularly. Religion isn't very influential politically nowadays. Yes, they were very important in the past particularly during the Revolution but today, religion is more demotivating than motivating.

For example, in the 2007 abortion referendum the church decided to enter in the campaign and across the country many priests started making sermons about abortion and why voters should vote no. In some places they even gave people flyers against abortion. This infuriated many voters and, as a result, in many conservative areas the Yes vote performed quite well.

So a place can still be religious and still respect a seperation of social institutions?

In Portugal, for the moment, yes.

[politicallefty]

I used to be staunchly opposed to assisted suicide and euthanasia, but I have to say that Jack Kevorkian is the one that changed my mind on the subject. Just as he said when he was alive, there should regulations upon regulations to ensure that it is left to those that are in full mental capacity and able to consent. I think the requirements for active euthanasia should be terminal illness, just the same as most assisted suicide laws.

I think it should be an absolute last resort. Jack Kevorkian went to prison because he used active euthanasia on a patient that was desperate and wanted to die (and was unable to move). I think the patient in that case was suffering from advanced ALS. That disease terrifies me. In an advanced stage like that individual was suffering, I absolutely believe the option to die should be available to all, regardless of how it is carried out.

[Mike88]

What do the medical professions in Portugal have to say about this?

Medical professionals, particularly the doctor's bar association, are not very favourable to the legalization of euthanasia. The former president of the bar was totally against while the new one, which was elected in January, isn't also very favourable to the idea, although he says Parliament doesn't have the competency to rule about this and that a national referendum is a better idea.

[DavidB.]

In the Netherlands assisting people in euthanasia (=if people are terminally ill and suffer)  is doctors' own choice, they don't have to do it. Since the legalization of euthanasia some 15 years ago, attitudes have shifted dramatically and the current government now seeks to find a way to legalize assisted suicide for those who are neither terminally ill nor suffering but simply don't want to live anymore. This is supported by a large majority too. Medical professionals will be educated to become "aid-in-dying caregivers". I support legal euthanasia for those who are truly terminally ill, but I do not view this as a positive development at all and think much more highly of the Christian parties' initiative (supported by the Socialist Party too, as far as I know) to give these people "aid-in-living caregivers" instead.

[Mike88]

New poll about euthanasia:



A considerable swing against the legalization of euthanasia. One year ago 67% was in favour and 22% against.

Link: http://expresso.sapo.pt/dossies/diario/2017-02-10-Sondagem.-Maioria-favoravel-a-eutanasia