Active euthanasia cannot be legalized in Denmark, the Ethics Council ruled on Wednesday.In a majority ruling, 16 members agreed that such an act would cause “unacceptable changes to basic norms in society, healthcare, and the way we treat people”. Council chairman Leif Vestergaard said, “I am concerned that if we introduce active euthanasia, we will relax our responsibility towards each other and the weakest, and that we will fail to ensure palliative care”. Meanwhile, the sole member who dissented in the 17-member panel said perhaps authorities should investigate and explore the possibilities for those who have requested it. This is the fourth time the council has rejected the proposal to legalize active euthanasia in this country.
