ROME, NOV. 29, 2000 (ZENIT.org).- The new Dutch law allowing euthanasia
won't take effect until next year. But the practice of euthanasia is
already tolerated in many other countries.

In Denmark, the relative of a terminally ill patient can decide to have
medical treatments withdrawn. Since 1992, in the case of terminal illness
or grave accident, the Danes can execute a "medical testament," which
doctors must respect.

In Sweden, to "assist in suicide" is not a crime punishable by law. In
extreme cases, a doctor can shut down a respiratory machine.

Euthanasia is illegal in the United Kingdom. However, in 1993 and 1994, the
justice system authorized some doctors to end the life of patients kept
alive artificially. In a first, a patient in Scotland in 1996 was
"authorized to die."

The French government Committee of Ethics in Medicine and Biology (CCNE)
last March opened the door to the possibility of euthanasia in
"exceptional" cases. The committee, which is the highest consultative body
in France on ethical questions in medicine and biology, listed as
exceptional cases those in which pain cannot be controlled.

In the United States, federal law prohibits euthanasia. Since 1994, Oregon
is the only state that allows euthanasia. It allows it for terminally ill
patients if a formal application is presented. In April 1996, the 2nd U.S.
Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over New York, Vermont and
Connecticut, authorized medical euthanasia.

In May 1997, the Constitutional Court in Colombia allowed euthanasia for
patients in the terminal phase, who specifically requested it.

China allows hospitals to practice euthanasia for incurable patients in
their terminal phase.

In 1996 in Australia, the Parliament of the Northern Territories voted on a
law to legalize euthanasia. But the law was abrogated at the federal level
a few months later.
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