Title: Which Countries Have Legalized Euthanasia? (with pictures)
Headings: Which Countries Have Legalized Euthanasia? (with pictures)
Which Countries Have Legalized Euthanasia? (with pictures)
Jessica Ellis
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Content: Some other countries, including Japan and Columbia, have contradictory laws and court precedent on the issue. Belgium legalized euthanasia in the early 21st century. It is important to understand the difference between euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide when discussing the legal status internationally. Physician assisted suicide refers to a situation in which a doctor may prescribe lethal drugs but the patient is responsible for taking them. Euthanasia, on the other hand, is when a health professional intentionally gives a patient a lethal dose in order to end the patient's life. Not all countries outlaw both forms; Germany has had legal physician-assisted suicide since the 18th century, but direct euthanasia is illegal. The Netherlands legalized euthanasia at the beginning of the 21st century. Albania was one of the first European nations to allow legalized euthanasia in 1999. Passive euthanasia, where the patient is unable to give consent due to a condition like a coma, is also legal given the agreement of three family members.