First do no harm: pressing concerns regarding euthanasia in Belgium

Cohen-Almagor, Raphael

Abstract

This article is concerned with the practice of euthanasia in Belgium. Background information is provided; then major developments that have taken place since the enactment of the Belgian Act on Euthanasia are analysed. Concerns are raised about (1) the changing role of physicians and imposition on nurses to perform euthanasia; (2) the physicians' confusion and lack of understanding of the Act on Euthanasia; (3) inadequate consultation with an independent expert; (4) lack of notification of euthanasia cases, and (5) organ transplantations of euthanized patients. Some suggestions designed to improve the situation and prevent abuse are offered. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Citation

Cohen-Almagor, R. (2013). First do no harm: pressing concerns regarding euthanasia in Belgium. International journal of law and psychiatry, 36(5-6), 515-521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlp.2013.06.014

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 10, 2013
• Online Publication Date: Jul 13, 2013
• Publication Date: 2013-09
• Deposit Date: Feb 16, 2018
• Journal: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry
• Print ISSN: 0160-2527
• Electronic ISSN: 1873-6386
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 36
• Issue: 5-6
• Pages: 515-521
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlp.2013.06.014
• Keywords: Pathology and Forensic Medicine; Law; Psychiatry and Mental health
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/528155
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016025271300068X?via%3Dihub
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: First do no harm: pressing concerns regarding euthanasia in Belgium; Journal Title: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlp.2013.06.014; Content Type: article; Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.