Notes

definition of euthanasia

Let's start with the definition and etymological origin of euthanasia.
The word euthanasia is scientifically derived from ancient Greece.
If we look at the etymology of the concept of euthanasia, "eu:beautiful" and "tanasium:death" consists of words.
For this reason, there are beautiful death, good death, easy death, painless death used with meanings.
Euthanasia is the situation where death is inevitable and the person who cannot be treated with medical science or suffers unbearably is killed by medical means or is left to die by cutting off medical aid.
According to a similar but more therapeutic definition, euthanasia would go to an end medical way to kill patients in order to end their intolerable suffering.

types of euthanasia

The concept of euthanasia is an examination of both medical science and legal science subject.
The concept of euthanasia is a subject of study in terms of various disciplines, and this concept also has philosophical, ethical and sociological dimensions.
For this reason, when the concept of euthanasia is considered with its legal dimension, it is necessary to reveal its difference from other concepts.
However, before moving on to this distinction, it is necessary to focus on the types of this concept and to make legal examinations accordingly.

In terms of Active-Passive Euthanasia

Active Euthanasia: It is the direct use of medical methods that ensure death. In other words, it is the doctor ending the patient's life by administering a lethal dose of medicine that will cause sudden and painless death following deep sedation. In active euthanasia, the patient dies as a result of the active action of the physician. The physician personally performs the application that will end the patient's life, that is, he assumes an active role. The nature of the movement is also important in active euthanasia. This movement should not be shooting or stabbing, but a movement that can be performed during medical practice.

Passive Euthanasia: It is an indirect, inactive euthanasia, and it is the withdrawal or absence of life support necessary for the patient's survival. Discontinuation of the treatment applied to a person whose vital functions are maintained by medical methods, withdrawal of the gastrostomy tube, not starting or stopping the treatment that will prolong the patient's life relatively, etc. situations such as passive euthanasia can be given as an example.

LEGAL DIMENSION OF euthanasia

The first law in the world to recognize voluntary active euthanasia (Deadly Patient Rights Act) was passed in 1995 in the Northern Territory of Australia.
The Netherlands, which now legally accepts active euthanasia,When we examine the countries other than Belgium and Luxembourg; euthanasia
Regarding the legal dimension, countries can be examined in two groups:
1. Countries where euthanasia is clearly defined by law: In these countries The act of euthanasia is defined as manslaughter upon request and is punished less severely than other acts of murder. Examples of this are Switzerland and Germany.
2. Countries where euthanasia is not clearly defined in the law: The criminal laws of these countries do not specify the act of euthanasia. The action taken It is evaluated under the heading of "murder" according to the way the act took place. Many countries such as England, France and Canada can be given as an example to this situation. (1-4, 14)