Comparison of international jurisdictions allowing medically assisted dying (MAID) (as of July 2022)
| Country | Terminal illness requirement | Minors | Mental illness | Pre-application | Euthanasia/assisted suicide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Netherlands | No | Yes | Yes | Yes; 12+ | Both |
| Belgium | No (yes minors) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Euthanasia |
| Luxembourg | No | No | Yes | Yes | Both |
| Switzerland | No | No | Yes | No | Assisted suicide |
| Spain | No | No | Yes | Yes | Both |
| Canada | No | No | Yes (March 2024) | No | Both |
| Columbia | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Both |
| USA | Yes | No | No | No | Assisted suicide |
| New Zealand | Yes | No | No | No | Both |
| Australia | Yes | No | No | No | Varies by state |
Criteria for requesting assisted suicide services in the Netherlands and Switzerland
| Criteria in the Netherlands | Criteria in Switzerland |
|---|---|
| The patient's suffering is unbearable and there is no hope of recovery. | The doctor must conduct at least two detailed interviews with the patient, at least 2 weeks apart. |
| The patient's request must be voluntary and last for a certain period of time (the request cannot be granted if the patient is under the influence of other persons, psychological illness or drugs). | The symptoms of the disease and/or functional impairment must be intolerable, the severity of which must be justified by a legitimate diagnosis and prognosis. |
| The patient must be fully aware of their condition, prospects and options. | Assisted suicide for healthy people is neither medically nor ethically justified. |
| The patient must consult at least one other independent doctor who must confirm the above conditions. | |
| The procedure must be carried out in a medically appropriate way in the presence of a doctor. | |
| The patient must be at least 12 years old (parental consent required for patients aged 12–16 years). |