All national medical associations and physicians are being strongly encouraged by the World Medical Association to refrain from participating in euthanasia, even if national law allows it or decriminalises it in certain conditions.

The WMA has decided to reiterate its policy following legislation enacted in Holland last month which sets out circumstances in which a doctor who carries out euthanasia should not be prosecuted. Immunity from prosecution is provided subject to a doctor observing a number of requirements on due care and reporting the death to the local coroner.

The WMA has now reaffirmed its strong belief that euthanasia is in conflict with basic ethical principles of medical practice.