First Euthanasia Case To Be Heard Since New Law Introduced
Spain’s first official euthanasia case since its legalisation earlier this year, is due to be heard.
The case, is from a man living on the Canary Islands, who suffers from an incurable neurodegenerative disease. The patient has been receiving treatment for years but since the law changed has been telling medical professionals and family members that he would prefer to die in peace than live in his state.
His family, who live on the island of Lanzarote are supporting his decision and will be giving evidence through the process.
Under the new legislation, the conditions in which a patient may seek to get state approval to die consist of two requests in writing followed up by consultations with medical professionals not previously involved in the case.
Only after a fourth and last statement where patients repeat their desire to die, does a regional case committee of experts give the final go-ahead.
There have been several high profile cases in Spain over the last few years — most recently that of Madrid resident Angel Hernandez who was arrested after he admitted to police that he had helped his wife, Maria Jose Carrasco end her life just before calling them on 3rd April 2019.
In most countries the practice is classed as a crime and is only either legal or sanctioned by courts in Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Colombia, and the Netherlands.