EUTHANASIA AND ASSISTED DYING: AN OVERVIEW OF THE EUROPEAN PANORAMA

Euthanasia has been a widely debated topic around the world and yet we are far from reaching a common understanding on the subject; due to the highly controversial profile of the practice, the law has evolved in conformity with each regional legislation and their political and social beliefs. The analysis of the International and European approach showed a substantial absence of clear provisions that regulate the subject, which generates a dual reaction: it makes it difficult to enforce it but also to protect the rights envisaged in the individuals, contributing to a continuous endangerment on both sides. While the focus has been pointed towards the criminalisation of the practice or even the absence of the discussion, to effectively control and safeguard it, is relevant to annex it in the category of fundamental rights, providing the access for those in need and granting the refusal for those who do not wish to pertain it; said recognition is more and more requested with the advancement of the society, of medical technology and the people right to dignity and self-determination.