Self-determination upon death

IRAKO Keiko

doi:10.20593/jabedit.8.1_94

Legislation was proposed concerning euthanasia in late 19th century England. The propriety of legalising euthanasia was also debated in Japan as early as 1882. This paper introduces new materials by way of surveying the historical development and present situation in various countries regarding the concept of self-determination upon death. In recent times the debate about euthanasia has focused upon the concept of death with dignity, including physician-assisted suicide. This paper investigates the following three areas of discussion : (1) Problems coucerning death with dignity (2) The propriety of legalising euthanasia (3) Matters for concern and proposals for the future in Japan. In (1) the concepts of death with dignity and therapy abatement in Japan are introduced, and comparisons made with Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Part (2) deals with present circumstances regarding legalisation of euthanasia in Japan and other countries, and looks into the propriety of legalisation by subeying theories, reports, judical precedents and statutes. In part (3) I make suggestions regarding the future of patient-determined death in Japan.

Self-determination upon death

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