Published: November 29 2023
The Hungarian Justice Ministry has confirmed that euthanasia will not be legalized in Hungary. This announcement comes in response to a case before the European Court of Human Rights regarding Hungary's ban on assisted suicide.
Hungary's Stance on Euthanasia
Hungary, along with most other Council of Europe member states, is against legalizing assisted suicide. The government considers decisions and aspirations that enable others to end a person's life as "unacceptable". The Hungarian constitution and international law do not guarantee the right to die, and the protection of life is prioritized in Christian culture.
The Case Before the European Court of Human Rights
A Hungarian individual has filed a petition with the European Court of Human Rights challenging Hungary's ban on assisted suicide. The case is being treated as a priority by the court, but Hungary's justice ministry is representing the country and defending its stance against legal euthanasia.
The Right to Life and Dignity
Hungary's constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights guarantee the right to life. The justice ministry argues that the preservation of dignity is a fundamental right that cannot override the sanctity of life. Assisted suicide is seen as leaving room for potential abuses, and Hungary believes that no one should be able to take another's life for any reason.
Related Articles
In addition to euthanasia, Hungary's stance on other forms of capital punishment, such as the death penalty, has also been a topic of discussion. Several articles explore Hungary's position on these issues.
Questions & Answers
Is euthanasia legal in Hungary? No, euthanasia is not legally permitted in Hungary, and the government has no plans to legalize it.
What is the case before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) regarding euthanasia in Hungary? The case before the ECtHR concerns a Hungarian individual's petition against Hungary's ban on assisted suicide and the law that prohibits them from undergoing legal euthanasia abroad. The court is treating this case as a priority.
How do most Council of Europe member states, including Hungary, view the legalization of assisted suicide? Most Council of Europe member states, including Hungary, are against legalizing assisted suicide.
What grounds does Hungary cite for its opposition to euthanasia? Hungary cites Article 2 of its constitution and Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantee the right to life. While Hungary recognizes the importance of dignity, it argues that the right to die is not guaranteed by its constitution or international law.
Why does Hungary consider decisions and aspirations that enable others to end a person's life unacceptable? Hungary considers these decisions and aspirations unacceptable because they believe in the primary importance of protecting life, which is rooted in Hungary's Christian culture.
What is Hungary's stance on assisted suicide? Hungary firmly believes that no one should be able to take another person's life for any reason and considers assisted suicide to be open to numerous forms of abuse.
