Assisted dying – the experience of other countries/Dánaraðstoð – reynsla annarra landa

DAGSKRÁ

DÁNARAÐSTOÐ – MÁLÞING LÍFSVIRÐINGAR, FÉLAGS UM DÁNARAÐSTOÐ

Lífsvirðing, the Right to Die Society in Iceland

Endurmenntun Háskóla Íslands – The Continuing Education Institute, University of Iceland

FÖSTUDAGUR 18. OKTÓBER KL. 12.30-16.30

12:30 Opnun/Opening.

12:40 “Assisted dying in the Netherlands: experiences with more than 20 years of euthanasia law”
Fransien van ter Beek has been chairwoman of the board of directors of the Dutch Association for a Voluntary End of Life since 2021.

13:35 “The Swiss model of Care, Choice, and Self-Determination in End-of-Life-Issues”
Silvan Luley is a team member of the Swiss non-profit membership association “Dignitas – To live with dignity – To die with dignity”.

14:30 Kaffihlé/Coffee Break

14.50 “MAID in Canada: A journey of choice and challenges”
Kelsey Goforth is the Director of Programs at Dying with Dignity Canada and has been a staff member with the organization since 2015.

15.45 Panel Discussion

16.15 Final words

Chair of the seminar: Ingrid Kuhlman, Chairwoman of Lífsvirðing
 

KYNNING FYRIRLESARA OG ERINDA

“Assisted dying in the Netherlands: experiences with more than 20 years of euthanasia law”

The Netherlands is known for its progressive attitude towards medical assistance in dying. This presentation dives into Dutch practice, where euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide were legalized in 2002. Fransien will provide detailed statistics on the number of people who receive assisted dying each year and highlight the primary demographics involved. She will demonstrate how Dutch safeguards, such as respecting patients’ wishes and thorough medical checks, dismiss fears of a slippery slope, even for people with dementia, an accumulation of age-related conditions or psychic illnesses. Additionally, Fransien will provide insights into changes since the law came into effect, the challenges, and how Dutch society and doctors view end-of-life care.

Fransien van ter Beek has served as the chairwoman of the board of directors for the Dutch Association for a Voluntary End of Life (NVVE) since 2021. The NVVE, established in 1973, advocates for the freedom of choice at the end of life and boasts a membership of approximately 174,000 members, supported by 150 volunteers and 35 employees. The association assists anyone with questions, doubts, or fears regarding the end of life, offering information, advice, and member support. It is dedicated to ensuring the optimal implementation of the euthanasia law. The NVVE operates in three key capacities: as a counselor for those in need, a leader for like-minded individuals, and a catalyst for awareness, debate, and legislation related to end-of-life issues.

“The Swiss model of Care, Choice, and Self-Determination in End-of-Life-Issues”

For the past 40 years, Switzerland has practiced physician-supported accompanied suicide through non-profit membership organisations. The “Swiss model” integrates assisted dying, palliative care, advance health care planning, and suicide attempt prevention. The aim is to ensure individual quality of life until the end of life through freedom of choice, self-determination and self-responsibility, and to safeguard access to professional support for implementing respective needs.

Silvan Luley has been a dedicated team member of the Swiss non-profit membership association “Dignitas – To live with dignity – To die with dignity” for 20 years. Dignitas provides assisted dying services for individuals with terminal illnesses, severe physical illnesses, and mental health conditions. Founded in 1998, Dignitas operates with the belief that individuals should have the right to end their suffering in a dignified and humane manner.

“MAID in Canada: A journey of choice and challenges”

In this session, Dying With Dignity Canada’s Kelsey Goforth will provide an overview of the history of medical assistance in dying (MAID) in Canada. The presentation will include information about the existing legislation and future changes being considered. She will speak about the eligibility criteria for MAID and the procedural safeguards in place. Additionally, she will provide statistics on MAID in Canada based on federal reporting. The presentation will also cover challenges to access that have endured since MAID first became available.

Kelsey Goforth is the Director of Programs at Dying With Dignity Canada (DWDC) and has been a staff member with the organization since 2015. Founded in 1980, DWDC works to ensure that all Canadians have access to compassionate end-of-life care and the ability to make informed choices about their own dying process. Kelsey is a graduate of Douglas College’s end-of-life doula program and Centennial College’s Thanatology Certificate program. She has completed a Patient Navigation Certificate from the Health Leadership and Learning Network at York University as well as training in grief literacy. She has also completed Pallium Canada’s Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative Care (LEAP) course.