A guide on the decision-making process relating to medicinal treatments used in euthanasia was presented to Strasbourg yesterday by the Council of Europe. This guide summarises the major ethical questions posed by euthanasia. The Council of Europe, “which has always condemned any form of euthanasia and has encouraged the use of palliative care for many years“, confirmed its preference.     

This guide was drawn up by the Council of Europe Bioethics Committee and various experts. It is intended for professionals and specific organisations to ensure that “major decisions relating to life and science” are not reserved for specialists. It highlights the “key issues involved in decision-making processes” regarding euthanasia and points out relevant major ethical and legal principles.