The rising number of patients — especially young people — with mental health disorders dying by euthanasia has also spurred fierce debate in the Netherlands, Buijsen said. The number of euthanasias for patients with psychiatric disorders doubled over the last five years, from 68 to 138. Similar debates arise around cases of minors and patients with dementia, he said.
But it’s not a one-size-fit-all. According to researchers at the University of Bologna, the proportion of euthanasia and assisted suicide on overall deaths “continues to vary widely” in countries where the practice has been legalized for years, “mainly due to the circumstances under which [they] were adopted into law and the different practices approved.”
Switzerland, for example, is one of the most popular destinations for foreigners looking to access assisted dying, and has been offering legal assisted suicide since 1942.
Political and social barriers
It has taken some countries several years to push their assisted dying laws over the finish line, amid opposition from conservative parties, religious institutions and highly emotive debates.
The Portuguese parliament approved an euthanasia bill four times over three years, but conservative President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa vetoed all drafts. Eventually, the parliament overturned his veto in 2023 and forced him to sign the bill. But even today, the legislation has not been published in the country’s official journal, meaning it’s not in effect.
While in countries such as Italy and Ireland, the powerful presence of the Catholic Church has historically steered the conversation away from legalization for years. It’s only recently, however, that things are changing.
