April 20, 2024

Terminally ill could get right to hasten death under law approved by Spanish government

The Spanish government has approved a law that allows terminally ill patients to discontinue medical treatment even if it hastens their deaths.

palliative

The
Spanish government has approved a law that allows terminally
ill patients to discontinue medical treatment even if it hastens their deaths.
Health Minister Leire Pajin said the law would not change bans on assisted
suicide or euthanasia, which prohibit actions that lead to the deaths of those
who would otherwise have lived. In Spanish hospitals, withdrawing treatment in
terminal cases is common practice but was not explicitly permitted. The bill
must be approved by Parliament in coming months. Health officials have said the
law would only apply to those with months at most to live, and also gives the
right to sufficient palliative care. ~ AP, May 14

Terminally ill could get right to hasten death under law approved by Spanish government
Jared Yee
palliative care
Spain