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Parliamentary question - E-001484/2017Parliamentary question
E-001484/2017

Euthanasia cases in Europe: increasing EU support for sick people and their families

Question for written answer E-001484-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Mara Bizzotto (ENF)

Euthanasia, or deciding to die with medical assistance, is considered a crime in Italy, while active euthanasia — the administration of lethal drugs — and assisted suicide are legal in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Germany and Sweden allow passive euthanasia, the suspension of treatments that are keeping a patient alive. Spain permits passive euthanasia and assisted suicide, but not active euthanasia. In Switzerland, people can resort to assisted suicide by paying EUR 10 000, even when the patient is depressed, as Emilio Coveri, President of Exit Italia, explained in the radio programme ‘La Zanzara’.

Given that the right to life is an inalienable right, as stated in Article 2 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and life should be defended by any means possible; that, in cases of degenerative illness, the priority should be to protect the right of the patients and their families to lead dignified lives; and that legislation on the delicate subject of euthanasia varies between Member States, does the Commission: