Clinical Ethics, Ahead of Print.
The possibility of euthanasia for patients with incurable mental illness still sparks controversy in Belgium, more than two decades after the introduction of the Euthanasia Law. In recent years, for instance, several relatives of patients have initiated legal actions against physicians who were involved in euthanasia procedures. Furthermore, some ethicists argue that within the context of euthanasia, there is an overemphasis on the principle of respect for patient autonomy. In our article, we delve into the concept of autonomy as outlined in the Belgian Euthanasia Law, compare it with an alternative conception of autonomy, and examine the role of the kinship in the euthanasia procedure. Kinship relationships can become profoundly strained for various reasons, making it generally important to involve relatives in euthanasia procedures in a timely manner. However, certain contraindications may also justifiably lead doctors to make a different decision.