A few days ago in Athens, a 50-year-old man killed his 84-year-old mother, called the police and surrendered himself. “I was tired of caring for her, she’s been freed from her problems,” the perpetrator reportedly said in his confession.
The mother had been ill for years and her son, the matricide, lived with her and cared for her. Neighbours described them as quiet and polite. There were no arguments to be heard, no history of violence that led to the crime.
A week later, an 87-year-old man in Crete shot and killed his wife inside the hospital where she was being treated. He then turned the gun on himself and died from his wounds hours later.
A note was found in the room thanking doctors and nurses and asking for understanding from his family. Friends of the couple spoke of a very devoted pair.
In Greece, as in Cyprus, palliative care is not provided. The burden of care falls on a relative—spouse or child—who takes on an enormous load. Some can bear it without consequences, others are crushed, as in the two extreme cases above.
No crime is justified, but these incidents provide an opportunity to discuss palliative care, which many today promote by saying “let’s leave the euthanasia debate aside and talk about palliative care instead“.
This, however, is merely a pretext to avoid taking a position. These are two separate matters and one does not negate the necessity of legislating the other.
In a deeply religious country, however, even if polls show that six out of ten citizens consent to euthanasia under certain conditions, clearly few will dare vote in favour of introducing the right to euthanasia.
Even in countries with a more relaxed relationship with religion, the decision has never been easy, although the number of countries allowing terminally ill patients to end their lives is gradually increasing.
The latest addition to these countries, just a few months ago, was England with 330 votes in favour and 275 against. Always under strict conditions.
In Europe, only a few countries permit assisted dying or euthanasia. The first to decriminalise euthanasia was the Netherlands in 2002.
Other European countries that allow assisted dying include Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, Austria and Portugal. Outside the EU, it is legal in Switzerland, Canada, certain states in America and Australia, New Zealand, Colombia and India.
In Cyprus, it is highly significant that it was even discussed (on the initiative of Irene Charalambidou).
P.S.: What is my own position? For myself, “yes”.
