Dealing with euthanasia requests: the insertion of palliative filter

Abstract

This article discusses ethical issues related to the end of human life, presenting data from the Netherland and Belgium, countries that have specific legislation and public policies related to euthanasia practice. It highlights, particularly, Belgium experience regarding the introduction within the health system of the palliative filter procedure in face of euthanasia requests from competent patients who are in their final stage of life. It concludes by indicating that, despite persistence of the so-called ‘casus perplexus’, that is, of not giving up on euthanasia request, the proposal of
palliative care becomes irrelevant and uncalled for in many of these requests.