Ethiopia is preparing to implement a new law permitting euthanasia, or medically assisted death, after the Ministry of Health released guidelines outlining how the policy will be applied. This makes Ethiopia one of the few African countries to allow such a practice.
The guidelines follow parliament’s January approval of a proclamation legalizing physician-assisted death. They stipulate that at least three medical professionals must agree on a diagnosis before proceeding, while close relatives may formally request the withdrawal of life support through a signed document.
Euthanasia is defined in the directive as a deliberate act intended to end a life to relieve intractable suffering. It may be applied in cases of brain death or when patients are fully dependent on external support to survive.
Officials say the framework is designed to protect patients and practitioners alike, ensuring the law is only applied in cases of incurable illness and unbearable suffering.
