Euthanasia on agenda after help in suicide
Source: Xinhua |
August 15, 2011, Monday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
ZHONG Yichun, an elderly farmer from east China's Jiangxi Province, didn't think that helping his friend Zeng Qingxiang commit suicide would land him in jail and spark a nationwide debate on euthanasia.
Zhong buried Zeng last October as part of an agreement they made regarding Zeng's suicide. Zeng overdosed on sleeping pills and lay in a hole in the ground; Zhong called out to him 15 minutes later to ensure he was dead before burying him.
A police investigation showed Zeng suffered from mental illness and had begged Zhong to help him commit suicide several times.
In May, the Longnan County People's Court jailed Zhong for two years after convicting him of criminal negligence resulting in the death of another person.
Zhong did not confirm Zeng was dead before burying, the court found. An autopsy report showed Zeng died from suffocation instead of the overdose, which meant that he was still alive when he was buried.
The Intermediate People's Court in the city of Ganzhou rejected Zhong's appeal earlier this month.
The case aroused a nationwide discussion on euthanasia. In China, euthanasia is prohibited.
In Zhong's case, it didn't matter whether or not he had a criminal motive, as his punishment would have been the same regardless of his intent.
However, the center of the debate revolves around the definition of Zhong's behavior - was it a case of intentional homicide, or simple negligence?
"If euthanasia can be accepted by the general public, it is an advancement of both society and morality," said Ma Xuesong, of the Jiangxi Academy of Social Sciences.
Ma said the gap between China and places that legalized euthanasia lies in the quality of medical services and legislation.
Some experts argue that China is not prepared or mature enough to legalize euthanasia.
Lin Cunbao, chief partner of the Baohui law firm in Guangdong, said those who are against euthanasia hold the view that the right to life is above other considerations.
Yan Sanzhong, director of Jiangxi Normal University's law department, said China should analyze the basic principles of its criminal law and take steps to promote the legalization of euthanasia.
Zhong buried Zeng last October as part of an agreement they made regarding Zeng's suicide. Zeng overdosed on sleeping pills and lay in a hole in the ground; Zhong called out to him 15 minutes later to ensure he was dead before burying him.
A police investigation showed Zeng suffered from mental illness and had begged Zhong to help him commit suicide several times.
In May, the Longnan County People's Court jailed Zhong for two years after convicting him of criminal negligence resulting in the death of another person.
Zhong did not confirm Zeng was dead before burying, the court found. An autopsy report showed Zeng died from suffocation instead of the overdose, which meant that he was still alive when he was buried.
The Intermediate People's Court in the city of Ganzhou rejected Zhong's appeal earlier this month.
The case aroused a nationwide discussion on euthanasia. In China, euthanasia is prohibited.
In Zhong's case, it didn't matter whether or not he had a criminal motive, as his punishment would have been the same regardless of his intent.
However, the center of the debate revolves around the definition of Zhong's behavior - was it a case of intentional homicide, or simple negligence?
"If euthanasia can be accepted by the general public, it is an advancement of both society and morality," said Ma Xuesong, of the Jiangxi Academy of Social Sciences.
Ma said the gap between China and places that legalized euthanasia lies in the quality of medical services and legislation.
Some experts argue that China is not prepared or mature enough to legalize euthanasia.
Lin Cunbao, chief partner of the Baohui law firm in Guangdong, said those who are against euthanasia hold the view that the right to life is above other considerations.
Yan Sanzhong, director of Jiangxi Normal University's law department, said China should analyze the basic principles of its criminal law and take steps to promote the legalization of euthanasia.
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