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Abstract:
The ethical problems of euthanasia are evolving. After a long "silent" period, two conflicting moral codes have emerged. One, backed by most of the clergy, is based on the belief that a person's life does not belong to him/her. The other, adopted by a majority of free thinkers, maintains that each person has the right to appreciate the value of his/her own life. Underlying the controversy about rendering euthanasia legal or not, there is tension between the values of life and freedom. Surprisingly, the practices themselves do not seem to be questioned. However, the uncertain situation of the non-respect of a legal prohibition can undermine the doctor-patient relationship and also seems to have led to increase in the number of voluntary interruptions of life carried out without the patient's consent. The law cannot uphold one particular ethic over another. This is the reason why the text adopted in Belgium is based on the recognition of a person's autonomy. At the heart of the reform there is also the twofold will to bring practices into the open as much as possible and to protect practitioners who "rely" on a fundamental dialogue with their patients.