Library of Parliament Research Publication on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide in Other Countries

In the wake of Friday's Supreme Court of Canada decision striking down the Criminal Code provisions on doctor-assisted suicide, the Library of Parliament tweeted a link to its 2013 publication entitled Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: International Experiences:

"Over the last few decades, movements have arisen in a number of jurisdictions in favour of the legalization of physician-assisted suicide and, in some cases, euthanasia. At the same time, there continues to be vocal opposition to the elimination of criminal sanctions for individuals who either assist in or cause the death of a person who has requested that his or her life be terminated. Although there are many possible definitions of euthanasia and assisted suicide, this paper uses the following:

• 'Euthanasia' is the deliberate act undertaken by one person with the intention of ending the life of another person in order to relieve that person’s suffering.
• 'Assisted suicide' is the act of intentionally killing oneself with the assistance of another person who provides the knowledge, means or both."

"This paper reviews developments in jurisdictions that already permit physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia (or both) in certain contexts, as well as developments in some jurisdictions that appear to be moving toward greater acceptance of these practices. An appendix at the end of this paper provides an overview, in chart format, of the current legal status of euthanasia and assisted suicide in various jurisdictions."