UPSC Prelims 2006 Q91: Indian Polity – Social Issues - Euthanasia & Bio - ethics
Which one among the following was the first to legalize euthanasia?
- (a) Austria
- (b) Switzerland
- (c) Netherlands
- (d) Canada
Answer: (c) Netherlands
Explanation
First country to legalise euthanasia
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Austria | Did not legalise euthanasia first |
| Switzerland | Allowed assisted suicide but not formal euthanasia legislation first |
| Netherlands | First country to pass a law legalising euthanasia (2001-2002) |
| Canada | Legalised later |
The Netherlands was the first country to legalise euthanasia by statute, under its Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide Act.
Answer: (c) Netherlands.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Austria did not legalise euthanasia first.
- (b) Incorrect. Switzerland tolerates assisted suicide but did not legislate euthanasia first.
- (c) CORRECT. The Netherlands was the first country to legalise euthanasia.
- (d) Incorrect. Canada legalised assisted dying much later.
Key point
The Netherlands was the first country to legalise euthanasia by law.
Remember
Netherlands: first to legalise euthanasia.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Switzerland because of its assisted-suicide tradition.
- Confusing euthanasia with assisted suicide.
- Assuming a common-law country led the change.
Exam tip
First legal euthanasia: the Netherlands (2001 law, in force 2002).
Sources
- Dutch Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — euthanasia