Israel has not allowed its first case of euthanasia

Some media report that Israel just allowed euthanasia for the first time. It is not the case. The situation in question isn't a case of euthanasia, but one of withdrawal of treatment. There is a lot of confusion on this topic, and many people confuse euthanasia with withdrawal of treatment (including 22% of people in Quebec).

In this recent Israeli case, the court allowed the disconnection of life support machines keeping a man alive. There is a significant difference between euthanasia, which is to intentionally cause death, and treatment withdrawal, which allows for a natural death.

This Israeli patient wasn't intentionally killed – he died naturally from his condition.

However, it appears that this judgment will lead to a debate on assisted suicide in the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament). They have introduced an assisted suicide bill (not a bill to allow euthanasia).

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