Weissbuch Freitodbegleitung 2020/2021

Since the Federal Constitutional Court (BVerfG) determined that it is part of every person's right to self-determination to decide freely about the timing and manner of their own death, and to seek assistance from third parties, the German Society for Humane Dying (DGHS) has decided to enable its members to receive medical assistance in dying through appropriate mediation. With this white paper, the DGHS presents a comprehensive documentation of the assisted dying cases it facilitated in the years 2020 and 2021.

To this end, a high safety standard has been developed, which must be strictly adhered to by the doctors and legal professionals cooperating with the DGHS under a four-eyes principle. The local criminal police and the involved prosecutors assess this safety standard, which also includes extensive documentation of the dying process, as highly professional. The book presents these standards and evaluates the motives as well as the professional and health backgrounds of those seeking to end their lives.