Cyprus is set to discuss a proposed law granting the right to die for terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of no more than six months, the House Human Rights Committee Rights announced this week.
The proposal, put forward by AKEL MP Irene Charalambidou, aims to provide a legal framework for euthanasia in Cyprus. Charalambidou presented the bill at a press conference, framing it as a right to a dignified life and relief from severe pain and anxiety.
“Even if no one in Cyprus chooses it, we must offer the right”, Charalambidou said, recalling the Hunter couple’s case in Paphos where a husband who ended the life of his suffering wife faced two years of court proceedings before being acquitted.
The MP cited a survey by the National Bioethics Committee of Cyprus, which found that 79% of respondents support euthanasia for patients with incurable and painful chronic illnesses. The survey also revealed that 61% of participants agree or somewhat agree that people have the right to choose death through euthanasia.
The proposed law would allow patients over 18 with an incurable physical illness in its terminal stage to request medically assisted death. Patients must express their desire for euthanasia at least three times over a minimum period of 15 days, with the final request in writing.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Patients must not be mentally ill or declared incompetent.
- The patient’s spouse or close relatives must be informed of the decision.
- A team of two clinical psychologists and a psychiatrist must evaluate the patient’s mental health.
- Euthanasia services can be provided in public or private hospitals or at home, within the GESY system.
The bill outlines two methods of medically assisted death: “active euthanasia”, where a physician administers a lethal drug, and “assisted suicide”, where the patient is provided with the means to end their own life.
Charalambidou emphasised that no doctor would be obliged to participate in medically assisted death against their wishes. “A register of doctors who wish to participate will be created”, she said.
The proposal includes penalties for those who incite patients to seek euthanasia or advertise such services, with fines of up to €10,000 and prison sentences of up to two years.
As MPs prepare to debate the issue – long-held as taboo in the country and opposed by its powerful Orthodox Church – public awareness is growing. The survey found that 47% of participants claim some knowledge of the subject, with 69% aware that euthanasia is legal in some European countries. The internet was cited as the primary source of information on euthanasia by 65% of respondents.
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