Review from the Bergson Academy: Assisted suicide - between ethical issues and Dignitas
The academy evening on December 5, 2024 was characterized by an intensive and differentiated discussion of the sensitive topic of assisted suicide. Experts from various disciplines came together to shed light on the legal, ethical and practical aspects of self-determined dying. The concluding round of questions and discussion in particular made it clear how much the topic of dignified and self-determined dying concerns our society and at the same time remains a taboo.
Prof. Dr. Georg Marckmann opened the evening with a well-founded analysis of the current legal situation in Germany. He explained that in 2020, the Federal Constitutional Court issued a groundbreaking ruling on assisted suicide, which defines the legal framework more clearly. Marckmann argued for guidelines that regulate the practical handling of the topic rather than a strict law and emphasized the need for a comprehensive ethical discussion.
Dr. Wolfgang Oblinger then reported on his experiences as an euthanasia companion. In his many years of practice, he has accompanied over 170 people on their final journey and found that the reasons for those affected are often based less on physical pain and more on the desire for autonomy and dignity. Oblinger emphasized the importance of empathetic advice and support for those affected and their relatives in order to overcome the emotional and ethical challenges of this process.
Dr. Philipp Starke presented an alternative method of self-determined dying: voluntary abstinence from eating and drinking (FVET). He explained the three phases of this process and the role of relatives, who often provide crucial support. His comparison between the regulations in Germany and Switzerland was particularly revealing and highlighted the different cultural and legal frameworks in the two countries.
In the discussion that followed, key questions were discussed: What can the balance between individual self-determination and social protection look like? What responsibility does the medical community have in assisted dying? And what social debates are necessary to remove taboos from the topic of assisted suicide?
The evening offered valuable insights into a topic that affects many people but often remains hidden. The experts made it clear that decisions at the end of life are complex and individual and that dealing with death is a responsibility for society as a whole. The lively participation and lively discussions showed that interest in this topic is growing and that there is a need to shed more light on it.