Published: November 30 2023
Recently, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) upheld Hungary's ban on assisted suicide and euthanasia, stating that the right to life takes precedence over the right to die. In this blog post, we will discuss the key points regarding this decision and the arguments presented by Hungary.
Hungary's Ban on Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia
Hungary, along with most other Council of Europe member states, is against legalizing assisted suicide and euthanasia. The country considers any decisions or aspirations that allow others to end a person's life as unacceptable. Hungary's constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights both emphasize the right to life and do not guarantee the right to die. The preservation of dignity is seen as a fundamental right that should not override the sanctity of life.
The Case Heard by the ECtHR
The case brought before the ECtHR involved a Hungarian individual petitioning against Hungary's ban on assisted suicide and the law prohibiting legal euthanasia abroad. The court treated the petition as a priority case and heard expert opinions on the matter.
Arguments Against Assisted Suicide
Hungary argues that legalizing assisted suicide would leave room for various forms of abuse. The country firmly believes that no one should have the right to take another person's life for any reason. The protection of life is considered a primary value in Hungarian culture, influenced by Christian beliefs.
The Decision and Implications
The ECtHR's decision to uphold Hungary's ban on assisted suicide and euthanasia reinforces the country's stance on prioritizing the protection of life. This ruling also highlights the discretionary powers that Council of Europe member states have regarding euthanasia.
In closing, Hungary's position against assisted suicide and euthanasia is rooted in the belief that the right to life should be upheld above all else. This recent decision by the ECtHR serves as a reminder that the preservation of dignity does not override the sanctity of life.
Questions & Answers
What was the case filed with the ECtHR about? The case filed with the ECtHR was about a Hungarian individual challenging Hungary's ban on assisted suicide and the law prohibiting him from undergoing legal euthanasia abroad.
What was Hungary's position on legalizing assisted suicide? Hungary, along with most Council of Europe member states, is against legalizing assisted suicide.
What do Hungary's constitution and international law guarantee regarding the right to die? Hungary's constitution and international law, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), do not guarantee the right to die.
What was Hungary's argument regarding the protection of life? Hungary argued that the protection of life is primary in Christian culture, including in Hungary, and that no one can take another's life for any reason.
What did the Hungarian ministry say about decisions and aspirations that enable others to end a person's life? The Hungarian ministry said that Hungary considers such decisions and aspirations "unacceptable" and cited Article 2 of Hungary's constitution and Article 2 of the ECHR, which guarantee the right to life.
What did the ministry say about assisted suicide and the preservation of dignity? The ministry stated that the "fulfillment of dignity and its preservation" are not a political issue or a matter of worldview, but a fundamental right that cannot override the sanctity of life.
