Judiciary
PROF. Bashir Omipidan of the Department of Private and Property Law, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN),
has advised the United Nations (UN) to call on all countries and jurisdiction that have legalised euthanasia
(assisted suicide)
to criminalise it.
He made the call in his presentation at the 225th Inaugural Lecture of UNILORIN on Friday.
In the presentation, entitled: “Euthanasia, the 21st Century Culture of Death: Interrogating Lacuna in the Nigerian
Laws and Code of Medical Ethics”, the don described euthanasia as “the practice of ending the life of a patient to
limit his/her sufferings.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the word “euthanasia” comes from the Greek words “eu” (good) and “thanatos” (death).
It is the practice of intentionally ending life to eliminate pain and suffering. It is the killing someone who is very ill and will never get
better in order to end their suffering, usually done at their request or with their consent.
The patient in question would typically be terminally ill or experiencing great pain and suffering.
Different countries have different euthanasia laws. While the act is illegal in some countries, some countries practice it.
As of 2022, euthanasia is legal in Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain and all six states of
Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia).
The UNILORIN don, therefore, who teaches at the Faculty of Law, submitted that euthanasia or assisted suicide should never
be an option for severe illness, depression or old age, at any period of the patient’s illness.
He said that “as human beings, we are expected to share love and affection; the two popular religions — Islam and Christianity —
emphasised this.
“This is because, love for one another remains the basis of human existence, particularly in Africa.”(NAN)
E.C
Tags: PROF. Bashir Omipidan UN
