Denmark is at the heart of a heated national debate as new proposals aim to legalize active euthanasia, a subject that continues to polarize opinions among politicians, medical professionals, and the public. The government recently received two detailed models from the “Committee for a More Dignified Death” (Udvalget for en mere værdig død), which could signal a major shift in Denmark’s end-of-life care policy.
New proposals on the table
The committee, established in September 2023 and led by renowned author and parish priest Kathrine Lilleør, was set up following Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S)‘s supportive remarks on euthanasia at the 2023 People’s Meeting (Folkemødet). The committee has proposed two distinct models:
- Self-Administered Euthanasia: Seven of the eight committee members support a model where terminally ill patients—with a life expectancy of no more than six months—would have the right to receive physician-prescribed medication to end their own lives.
- Assisted Euthanasia by Health Professionals: Five committee members advocate for a model that permits healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, to assist patients in ending their lives.
In both models, the patient must explicitly express their wish to die, be legally competent, and make an informed decision based on sound medical advice.
As Thomas Søbirk Petersen, professor of ethics at Roskilde University and committee member, explained:
“It’s about respecting people’s right to self-determination. We all want a good life, and we also want a good death.”
Voices of dissent
Not everyone is on board with these proposals. Janus Tarp, chief legal officer and chairman of the Accident Patient Association (UlykkesPatientForeningen) and the Polio Association (PolioForeningen), voiced his concerns:
“I am not enthusiastic about the majority’s proposal to introduce a form of assisted suicide. I don’t think we need that in Denmark; I believe we need to do much more of what we can today.”
The debate has already led to significant division, with two members resigning from the committee in protest, claiming that the group’s focus on active euthanasia is too narrow.
What is it like in scandinavia?
While Denmark grapples with these groundbreaking proposals, its Scandinavian neighbors have maintained more restrictive policies:
- Denmark: Currently, Danish law allows patients to refuse treatment but does not permit either assisted suicide or active euthanasia. The new proposals could mark a dramatic policy shift pending further government debate.
- Sweden: Active euthanasia is illegal in Sweden, although assisted suicide is tolerated under specific conditions, reflecting a more nuanced approach to end-of-life decisions.
- Norway: Norway remains firmly opposed to both active euthanasia and assisted suicide, emphasizing palliative care and patient rights without extending legal permission for euthanasia.
