Petition on euthanasia

WHEREAS
The signatories of the Oviedo Convention for the protection of Human Rights and dignity of the human being with regard to the application of biology and medicine provides that “parties to the Convention shall protect the dignity and identity of all human beings and guarantee everyone, without discrimination, respect for their integrity and other rights and fundamental freedoms with regard to the application of biology and medicine”
NOTING THAT
According to the Oviedo Convention “the previously expressed wishes relating to a medical intervention by a patient who is not, at the time of the intervention, in a state to express his or her wishes shall be taken into account” (art. 9);
clandestine euthanasia is widespread in those countries that prohibit it and it is practiced without proper guarantees, procedures and controls, creating a risk for abuse;
some Member States have introduced legislation granting the right for terminally-ill patients undergoing constant, unbearable pain and suffering without hope of any improvement in their condition and requesting it persistently, voluntarily and in a well-considered manner, to have their life terminated, decriminalizing at the same time acts by doctors satisfying these requests when they terminate the life of the patient or help them take their own life or decide to withdraw life-sustaining treatment;
application of this legislation has led to positive results, with a constant or decreasing trends
CONSIDERING ALL OF THE ABOVE
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED
CALL ON THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT TO:
Realize a study in order to collect, analyze and compare empirical evidence about end-of-life medical decisions and clandestine euthanasia, to promote best practices, to ensure free access to treatment and respect of informed consent;
To call on Member States to ensure that autonomy of the patient, which includes informed consent, dignity at the end of life and the will of the person involved, are fully respected, in accordance with the provisions of Oviedo Convention.