Dutch approval of euthanasia sends ripples around the world

SEOUL: The upper house of the Dutch parliament approved last week a bill legalizing euthanasia, unleashing waves of criticism and debate on the issue around the world. The final passage of the bill drew mixed reviews, with reaction differing from one culture to another. What is certain is that most societies are responding sensitively because dying well is as important as living well, and more significantly, doctors and patients in many countries are already finding "mercy killings" to be a practical issue that merits serious discussion.

The Vatican expressed its strong displeasure at the "criminal" decision by The Hague. Assisting suicide is certainly as unpardonable as allowing abortion for those who believe that life is sacred and it is not a realm to be meddled with by humans. The Germans also responded with uneasiness, which is understandable in view of their memories of the Holocaust and Nazi rule. Thousands of the physically or mentally handicapped were secretly eliminated in the early stages of World War II under the pretext of improving what they called the Aryan race.

In contrast, Belgium is quickly following the footsteps of the Netherlands. A similar bill has already been presented in the Belgian parliament and it may be approved later this year. In Australia, where a law was enacted in the Northern Territories in 1996 but revoked by the federal assembly in 1997, euthanasia campaigners have proposed to set up a floating clinic in a ship flying the Dutch flag. But the Dutch government is unlikely to allow them to run such a clinic where they plan to offer clients lethal injections.

As has been reported, the new law would permit doctors to comply with the requests from patients for assistance to die under limited circumstances. In order to be allowed the service, a patient has to be suffering from an incurable disease and unbearable pain; be aware of all other medical options and have sought a second professional opinion; and have made a voluntary request with a sound mind. Children of ages between 12 and 16 need the consent of parents. Only Dutch citizens will be eligible for the service and all decisions require approval from regional health committees.

The Dutch government was brave in officially condoning a practical view after decades of careful debate to garner a broad public consensus. The law will decriminalize a medical act which is already widely practiced, thereby eliminating the fear of legal proceedings on the part of doctors who find themselves in compelling situations to put an end to meaningless sufferings. The law will also save doctors from falling victim to discriminatory enforcement of law, where only "unlucky" ones are caught and persecuted in return for what they intended as humanitarian service.

In this context, the Korean Medical Association has made a timely move to include a euthanasia clause in its "ethical guidelines for doctors." The association is reportedly preparing a new set of guidelines for the medical service, which include a clause permitting "passive euthanasia" for patients suffering from terminal diseases. Passive euthanasia refers to withdrawing treatment at the request of patients or their families. It is differentiated from "active euthanasia," which means that a doctor prescribes a lethal dose of medicine or assists suicide by other means.

In spite of the sensitive nature of the issue and various foreseeable problems, it is still obvious that the nation needs to start debate on euthanasia. The issue has seldom been discussed openly, but according to a recent opinion poll, over 70 percent of the respondents approved of doctor-assisted suicide when it is deemed necessary. In fact, a physician of a Seoul hospital is now serving a prison term of two and a half years for sending home a terminally ill patient at the request of his wife in 1998.

Perceptions of death may differ from one culture to another and from one religion to another. Each society may need a different approach to this perplexing issue. The Korean tradition of strong filial duties may be one factor that would make the debate more difficult. The debate may also prove to be still more contentious when it involves those who are poor, elderly and incompetent.

Yet, it is also true that everyone has the right to a more peaceful and dignified death. What is needed is an efficient system to prevent abuse.

-- The Korea Herald/Asia News Network