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2024年02月16日
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安楽死～消極的安楽死・間接的安楽死・積極的安楽死～
安楽死には3つの種類があります。
積極的安楽死が許容される要件
１：耐え難い肉体的苦痛がある
２：死期が迫っている
３：苦痛を除去、緩和する方法がほかにない
４：患者の明らかな意思表示がある
注意点
日本では、安楽死・尊厳死は合法化されていません。患者本人が真摯に死を望んでいたとしても、患者の要望に基づいて殺害し、または自ら命を絶つのを援助する行為は、自殺関与・同意殺人罪（刑法 202 条）に該当します。
参考：厚生労働省 自殺相談
Euthanasia in Japan: Types, Criteria, and Legal Status
Euthanasia, or "mercy killing," is a controversial topic that involves intentionally ending a person's life to relieve suffering. In Japan, euthanasia is currently illegal, but there are ongoing discussions about legalizing it under certain circumstances.
Types of Euthanasia:
- Passive Euthanasia: Withholding or withdrawing life-prolonging treatment to allow a natural death.
- Indirect Euthanasia: Administering medication to relieve pain and suffering, which may also hasten death.
- Active Euthanasia: Intentionally taking a person's life to relieve suffering.
Criteria for Active Euthanasia:
Four criteria are generally considered for active euthanasia to be permissible:
- Intractable physical suffering: The patient must be experiencing severe and unbearable pain that cannot be relieved by other means.
- Imminent death: The patient must be terminally ill with a short life expectancy.
- No other options: There must be no other available treatments or methods to alleviate the suffering.
- Voluntary and explicit consent: The patient must have clearly and explicitly expressed their desire for euthanasia.
Legal Status in Japan:
It's important to note that euthanasia and "dignified death" are not legal in Japan. Even if a patient sincerely wishes to die, actively assisting their death or killing them at their request is considered a crime under Article 202 of the Japanese Penal Code (suicide assistance/consent murder).
For more information on this complex and sensitive topic, you can refer to the following resources:
- The Japan Society of Palliative Medicine: https://www.jspm.ne.jp/english/
- The Japanese Society for Medical Ethics: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1475609/
- The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general knowledge and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and you should not rely on it as such. Please consult with a qualified legal professional for specific advice related to your situation.
