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Citizens of Lüne fight for their own decision to die: A call for reform!
A plaintiff from Lüneburg is calling for self-determined dying in Germany. From 2025 onwards, euthanasia, rights and changes will be discussed.
Citizens of Lüne fight for their own decision to die: A call for reform!
In the heart of Lüneburg, 80-year-old Hans-Jürgen Brennecke is committed to an issue that is becoming increasingly important: self-determined dying. Loud Goslar newspaper Brennecke is a prominent member of the German Society for Humane Dying (DGHS). His goal is clear: people should have the opportunity to receive euthanasia in their own country without having to travel abroad.
Active euthanasia is still prohibited in Germany. This means that doctors are not allowed to administer medication to end a patient's life. Instead, they are only allowed to accompany and support when it comes to withdrawing life-sustaining measures, but only if this corresponds to the patient's wishes. With the increase in inquiries following the Federal Constitutional Court's ruling five years ago, the DGHS has developed rapidly in recent years and now has over 45,000 members. The organization is recording strong growth of around 1,500 new members per month.
Statistics and development of euthanasia
The numbers speak for themselves: In 2022, the DGHS referred a total of 625 cases, while Dignitas Deutschland and the Euthanasia Association recorded 183 and 171 cases, respectively. This corresponds to around 0.1 percent of the annual deaths in Germany, estimated at around one million. In addition, the average age of those affected is 79 years, and given demographic developments, the number of inquiries could continue to rise in the future.
As in the DGHS As noted, the discussion surrounding euthanasia is characterized by various ethical, religious and legal questions. The legal framework stipulates that the patient's wishes are paramount. Consenting adults can use a living will to specify which medical measures they want or refuse. Any ambiguities in this regard must be identified by a supervisor.
Legal aspects of euthanasia in Germany
In Germany a distinction is made between active and passive euthanasia. While active euthanasia, i.e. the targeted acceleration of death upon request, is prohibited under Section 216 of the Criminal Code and carries a penalty of six months to five years, passive euthanasia, i.e. the forgoing of life-prolonging measures, remains legally harmless as long as it corresponds to the patient's wishes. This regulation applies regardless of the type and stage of the disease.
The aspect of indirect euthanasia is also particularly important. This includes pain relief through medications that could inadvertently shorten life. These types of therapy are permitted in Germany as long as the intention is clearly aimed at alleviating suffering.
Another crucial point is assisted suicide. A ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court on February 26, 2020 recognized the right to a self-determined death and legalized the possibility of support from third parties. The ban on “commercial promotion of suicide” has been declared null and void, meaning that doctors and associations are allowed to provide assistance, but the person wishing to die must take the drug themselves.
The discussions about the legal regulation of euthanasia in Germany remain current. Hans-Jürgen Brennecke and the DGHS are fighting for a reform that enables people to make their final life decisions independently and not have to travel abroad to fulfill their wish for euthanasia. The debates are complex and multifaceted, but the efforts of many committed people show that urgent action is needed.