Doctor advocates for assisted dying legalization at seminar in Reykjavik, Iceland

Assisted dying could allow individuals to better enjoy the time they have left, according to a doctor advocating for the legalization of such practices in Iceland. This topic was addressed at a seminar held today at the University of Iceland, which examined the experiences of other countries with assisted dying.

The organization “Lifsvirding,” which promotes assisted dying, hosted the seminar. Increasingly, countries are enacting laws to permit assisted dying, allowing individuals to end their lives intentionally and upon their request. Portugal and Austria were among the latest additions to this group in 2022.

A legislative proposal was introduced by the political party Viðreisn in the spring, aiming to allow individuals with incurable diseases enduring “untreatable and unbearable suffering” to seek assisted dying, while also permitting doctors to provide such assistance.

Over 20 years of experience in the Netherlands, where assisted dying has been legal, was discussed at the seminar by Fransien van ter Beek, the chair of an advocacy group for assisted dying. She highlighted the importance of clear laws and regulations in this process. “Most Dutch people support the laws, and most doctors comply with patients’ requests for assisted dying when appropriate. However, this can vary based on each case’s nature,” she explained.

Linda Kristjánsdóttir, a physician with extensive experience in geriatric care, emphasized that having control over one’s circumstances is crucial. She believes that enabling individuals to make decisions about their end-of-life care can provide significant relief and freedom, allowing them to enjoy their remaining time more fully.