Different cultures have different views on laws and ethics surrounding assisted suicide. These views show what people believe is right or wrong in their societies.

Here are some important points to consider:

• Legal Status:

  • In the Netherlands, assisted suicide has been allowed since 2002. The number of people choosing this option grew from 1,000 in the beginning to over 6,500 each year by 2022.
  • In Oregon, USA, it became legal in 1997. In 2021, doctors wrote 1,455 prescriptions for assisted dying, and 1,271 people went through with it.

• Public Opinion:

  • A survey in 2020 showed that 74% of Canadians are in favor of assisted dying.
  • In Japan, 88% of people do not support legalizing assisted suicide. Their worries come from cultural and ethical beliefs.

• Cultural Influences:

  • In Western cultures, people often focus on personal choice and freedom.
  • On the other hand, Eastern cultures usually value community and view life as something very sacred.

These points help us understand how different places see assisted suicide. Each culture has its own reasons for believing what they do.