Euthanasia in Austria: court ruling brings new regulations!

Euthanasia in Austria: court ruling brings new regulations!

Österreich - The Constitutional Court (VfGH) in Austria has decided that the ban on suicide help remains. This is done as part of a procedure in which several applicants, including two seriously ill people and a doctor, claimed that the current regulations are unconstitutional. However, the VfGH made it clear that the regulations of the death provision law, which only allow assisted suicide under certain conditions, do not violate the constitution. This means that relatives can only provide help for suicide if the person concerned suffers from an incurable or serious illness and this decision has been well cared for, as the Krone reported.

Changes in the procedure for death disposal

A significant change, however, relates to the repetition of applications to a death order. The VfGH declared the elaborate procedure that must be carried out after one year for the renewal of an existing decision, for unconstitutional. According to the court, this procedure contradicts the rights of the suffering people who strive for a quick and self -determined dying. From June 1, 2026, this law will no longer apply, which is significantly easier to renew dying orders, such as "https://www.kleinezeitung.at/politik/innenspolitik/19194436/vfgh-weist-ab-suizidhilfe-hilt-banned"> Kleine Zeitung .

In addition, the VfGH partially lifted the strict prohibition of advertising for suicide aid by deciding that the mere announcement of assistance or means of suicide must not be fundamentally punishable. This judgment concerns the human right to freedom of expression and notes that only the active “advertising” of such assistance should not be permitted.