From World Politics Review:
MEXICO RIGHT-TO-DIE LEGISLATION MOVES FORWARD -- Both houses of the Mexican legislature have signed off on a law
that would allow terminally ill patients to refuse invasive or
extraordinary measures to prolong their lives. The bill now heads to
President Felipe Calderón for final approval.
Mercy killings and assisted suicides are not considered legal under the legislation. In order to qualify under provisions of the new law, a patient must have an incurable disease, have an expected lifespan of less than six months and be willing to sign a written petition in front of witnesses.
The right to die on one's own terms has been the subject of fierce debate for decades around the globe. Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Thailand and a handful of U.S. states legally allow euthanasia in some form.
Earlier this month, a 13-year-old British girl won a legal case to refuse a heart transplant, even though the refusal will cost her her life. Hannah Jones has undergone multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatments, and has been in and out of the hospital, since she was diagnosed with leukemia at age 4. When she developed heart disease, doctors recommended a transplant even though the operation itself could kill her, and despite the fact that she would likely need additional multiple surgeries afterwards. Hannah decided she would rather spend the time she has left at home, with her family and friends. British judges agreed.
Mercy killings and assisted suicides are not considered legal under the legislation. In order to qualify under provisions of the new law, a patient must have an incurable disease, have an expected lifespan of less than six months and be willing to sign a written petition in front of witnesses.
The right to die on one's own terms has been the subject of fierce debate for decades around the globe. Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Thailand and a handful of U.S. states legally allow euthanasia in some form.
Earlier this month, a 13-year-old British girl won a legal case to refuse a heart transplant, even though the refusal will cost her her life. Hannah Jones has undergone multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatments, and has been in and out of the hospital, since she was diagnosed with leukemia at age 4. When she developed heart disease, doctors recommended a transplant even though the operation itself could kill her, and despite the fact that she would likely need additional multiple surgeries afterwards. Hannah decided she would rather spend the time she has left at home, with her family and friends. British judges agreed.
