Lüner Bürger is fighting for his own death decision: a call for reform!

Lüner Bürger is fighting for his own death decision: a call for reform!

In the heart of Lüneburg, 80-year-old Hans-Jürgen Brennecke is committed to a topic that is becoming increasingly important: self-determined dying. According to Goslarsche Zeitung is Brennecke a prominent member of the German Society for Human Dying (DGHS). His goal is clear: people should have the opportunity to take euthanasia in their own country without having to travel abroad.

In Germany, active euthanasia is still prohibited. This means that doctors are not allowed to give medication to end the life of a patient. Instead, they can only accompany and support when it comes to demolishing life -resistant measures, but only if this corresponds to the patient's will. With the increase in inquiries about the judgment of the Federal Constitutional Court five years ago, the DGHS has developed rapidly in recent years and now has over 45,000 members. The organization has strong growth of around 1,500 new members per month.

statistics and development of euthanasia

The numbers speak a clear language: In 2022, the DGHS conveyed a total of 625 cases, while Dignitas Germany and the Association of Euthanasia recorded 183 and 171 cases. This corresponds to about 0.1 percent of annual deaths in Germany, estimated at around one million. In addition, the average age of the people concerned is 79 years, and given the demographic development, the number of inquiries could continue to increase in the future.

as in the DGHS noted, the discussion about the euthanasia is shaped by various ethical, religious and legal questions. The legal framework stipulates that the patient's will is in the foreground. A living will can determine what medical measures you want or reject. A supervisor must be determined 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 on request, is prohibited in accordance with Section 216 of the Criminal Code and is taken with a punishment of six months to five years, passive euthanasia, i.e. the waiver of life -extending measures, remains legally harmless, provided that it corresponds to the patient's will. 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 from medication that could unintentionally shorten life. These types of therapy are allowed in Germany as long as the intention is clearly aimed at relieving suffering.

Another crucial point is the aid for suicide. A judgment of the Federal Constitutional Court of February 26, 2020 recognized the right to self -determined dying and legalized the possibility of support from third parties. The prohibition of "business promotion of suicide" was declared void, which means that doctors and clubs can help, but the person who is approved must take the remedy himself.

The discussions about the legal regulation of euthanasia in Germany still remain up to date. Hans-Jürgen Brennecke and the DGHS fight for a reform that enables people to make their last life decisions independently and not have to travel abroad in order to meet their wish for euthanasia. The debates are complex and complex, but the use of many committed people shows that action is urgently required here.