WMA Reaffirms Its Opposition To Euthanasia

18 May 2001

WORLD MEDICAL ASSOCIATION REAFFIRMS ITS OPPOSITION TO EUTHANASIA

All national medical associations and physicians are being strongly encouraged by the World Medical Association to refrain from participating in euthanasia, even if national law allows it or decriminalises it in certain conditions.

The WMA has decided to reiterate its policy following legislation enacted in Holland last month which sets out circumstances in which a doctor who carries out euthanasia should not be prosecuted. Immunity from prosecution is provided subject to a doctor observing a number of requirements on due care and reporting the death to the local coroner.

The WMA has now reaffirmed its strong belief that euthanasia is in conflict with basic ethical principles of medical practice.

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For further information please contact:

Nigel Duncan: WMA Public Relations Adviser (+44) 0207 383 6113 (office), 0208 997 3653 (home) 07990 542 026 (mobile), nduncan@bma.org.uk (e-mail)

Dr Delon Human: WMA Secretary General (+33) 450 407575 (office), 33 607 164177 (mobile)

Website: www.wma.net

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