End-of-Life bill approved for 2nd and 3rd readings
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICHThe Knesset Labor, Social Affairs and Health Committee on Tuesday approved for its second and third reading the long-awaited government bill dealing with the terminally ill. If passed, the bill -- which has been six years in the making, including deliberations by a public committee of experts -- would allow the terminally ill to die in dignity and without violating Halacha.
If requested in a living will or by a person chosen to decide on his behalf, the terminally ill patient over 17 could ask that his life not be extended by artificial means such as a respirator, although the medical staff should try to persuade him to accept food, liquids and even a respirator. Active euthanasia would not be permitted, but the law would allow the halting of ongoing treatment (such as cyclically putting a patient on a respirator) using a timer device.
The arrangements would make it unnecessary for families to turn to a court in each case.