Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Δημόσιο Δίκαιο και Δημόσια ΠολιτικήLibrary of the Faculties of Political Science and Public Administration, Communication and Mass Media Studies, Turkish and Modern Asian Studies, Sociology
Author:
Kokkinis Gerasimos
Supervisors info:
Χαράλαμπος Χρυσανθάκης, Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Πολιτικής Επιστήμης και Δημόσιας Διοίκησης, ΕΚΠΑ
Γεώργιος Σωτηρέλης, Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Πολιτικής Επιστήμης και Δημόσιας Διοίκησης, ΕΚΠΑ
Ιωάννης Τασόπουλος, Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Πολιτικής Επιστήμης και Δημόσιας Διοίκησης, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Η προβληματική του ζητήματος της ευθανασίας
Translated title:
The controversial issue of euthanasia
Summary:
This paper attempts to outline the main aspects of the multidimensional and controversial issue of euthanasia. Firstly, it is considered necessary to clarify the term euthanasia conceptually and to present its special forms and distinctions. Then, emphasis is placed on the ethical dimension of the issue and an effort is made to highlight the ethical dilemmas arising from the implementation of the practice in question, by citing the main arguments that have been formulated for and against euthanasia.
Furthermore, in view of the different moral, social and religious perceptions that prevail in states around the world, there are distinct differences in the treatment of the issue of euthanasia by the national legal systems. In this context, the treatment of the issue by the Greek legislator is presented at first and subsequently, some scientific opinions expressed by scholars of the issue regarding the possibility of establishing a right to euthanasia in the Greek Constitution are listed. Then, reference is made to the relevant legislative framework in force in other European states, a particularly interesting and dynamic field, given that the legislative framework of euthanasia has been preoccupied the parliaments of more and more European states over the last few years.
The attitude of the member states of the Council of Europe towards euthanasia and assisted suicide has also concerned the European Court of Human Rights, whose most important decisions are pointed out later in this study. The importance of these decisions is undoubted, given that they form an ethical and legal framework of reference, through the use of which the member states try to find ways to settle the issue.
Finally, in the last part of the paper, some personal thoughts are cited regarding the problematics of euthanasia and the prospect of settling the issue at national level.
Main subject category:
Social, Political and Economic sciences
Keywords:
euthanasia, physician assisted suicide, euthanasia in Greece, euthanasia and assisted suicide in Europe, euthanasia and assisted suicide in European Court of Human Rights cases.
