First euthanasia legalisation bill reaches parliament

The first ever euthanasia bill reached the Czech parliament Tuesday and is likely to lead to wider debate on this issue. The bill, drafted by Senator Václava Domšová of the Union of Independent-European Democrats would legalize assisted suicide, and give comatose patients the right to die. However, the bill faces a number of obstacles. The ruling Civic Democrats are opposed, citing concerns over the potential misuse of euthanasia, while a majority of senators, who will discuss the legislation in the autumn, are also unlikely to vote in favour of it. Legalising euthanasia is supported by two-thirds of Czechs according to recent opinion polls. At present, euthanasia is legal in the Netherlands, Belgium, Colombia, Switzerland and the American state of Oregon.