Does the AMD Act encourage euthanasia?
No, the AMD Act does NOT encourage euthanasia. On the contrary, the AMD Act is explicitly and categorically against euthanasia. The Act states : • Section 17(1) Nothing in the Act shall authorise an act that causes or accelerates death as distinct from an act that permits the dying process to take its natural course. • Section 17(2) It is hereby declared that nothing in this Act shall condone, authorise or approve abetment of suicide, mercy killing or euthanasia. A terminally ill patient CANNOT use the AMD to commit suicide, nor does the AMD allow doctors to assist in any suicide attempt. This is punishable by law.
