The Cyprus National Bioethics Committee in no way agrees with the implementation of involuntary euthanasia and argues that we as a society should be ready for this last medical option under strict conditions, the Committee's Chairman Dr Konstantinos Fellas tells Cyprus News Agency.
On the occasion of the debate that recently opened again in Parliament on the legislative regulation of the euthanasia issue in Cyprus, CNA spoke with Professor Fellas about the conditions and criteria set by the Commission, the development of the dialogue and the position of the Church.
As he told the Cyprus News Agency, the position of the EEBC is that, in principle, all possibilities and modern medical and pharmaceutical technology should be exhausted to offer effective palliative care to patients who are suffering and experiencing unbearable pain and discomfort during a condition that is not curable.
He noted that in such extreme and very few cases, where life becomes unlivable, and in the absence of treatment, the patient chooses, while fully conscious, to end their life by euthanasia, human compassion and mercy is indicated to be ready to offer this last medical option "under strict conditions".
"Depending on the case, active or passive euthanasia may be chosen. Under no circumstances does the SCC agree with the use of involuntary euthanasia."
Dr. Fellas stressed that because it is not possible to cover each individual case with general rules and because the Commission attaches the utmost respect to the autonomy and dignity of each patient, "it considers that each case should be subject to a distinct, thorough study and evaluation by a team of experts including a physician, psychologist, social worker or other specialists, in order to ensure that the right decision is taken, provided that in the case of euthanasia there is no
The President of the Commission also states that, since it is impossible to know all the details, when considering each case, it is appropriate to take account not only of the individual person but also of the wider family and economic situation, possible conflicts of interest, etc.
"It is understood that, when sanctioning and implementing euthanasia, all legal measures must be taken and legal documents prepared accordingly, in order to protect the rights and interests of the person concerned. The SCC recommends that steps be taken to transfer experience, expertise and knowledge from other countries that have euthanasia protocols in order to train the various stakeholders' representatives accordingly in the best possible handling of such cases."
Dr. Fellas agrees that enacting such legislation is a very difficult task and notes that even if a society is generally receptive to the implementation of euthanasia, it should at a minimum In a comment on the views on suicide, he reiterates his views on strict conditions, criteria, safeguards and the position that the Commission has never favoured the use of involuntary euthanasia.
Commission inquiry - The main conclusions
The Commission has undertaken an inquiry into the burning issue of the right to euthanasia. The survey was conducted by IMR/University of Nicosia during the period December 2021 - March 2022 and the sample size was 750 persons.
61% of participants said they agree or somewhat agree that people have the right to choose death by euthanasia, with 79% saying that this right may be available in the case of incurable and excruciating chronic illness or when all options and choices for pain relief have been exhausted.
The main reasons why someone is deprived of the right to euthanasia are spiritual and/or religious (40%), as well as the legislative gap that exists on the issue (31%). However, in case the legal framework in Cyprus made euthanasia legal with the explicit consent of the individual, the majority of participants (63%) agree or rather agree that this practice would be acceptable.
In the event that euthanasia was socially and medically acceptable and legally permissible in Cyprus, the majority of respondents (48%) stated that they would agree or rather agree if a relative chose to end their life through this procedure.
The sample was selected using random stratified sampling and included an equal number of men and women, aged 18 years and older.
Data were collected by telephone and online interviews using a structured questionnaire, on a nationwide scale and covering both urban and rural areas.
The questionnaire consisted of 19 questions covering the following three main topics.
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