Legality of euthanasia
Laws regarding euthanasia vary by country and territory. Efforts to change government policies on euthanasia of humans in the 20th and 21st centuries had limited effect in Western countries. Human euthanasia policies have also been developed by a variety of NGOs, most advocacy organisations although medical associations express a range of perspectives, and supporters of palliative care broadly oppose euthanasia.
As of 2026, euthanasia is legal in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Jersey, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal (law not yet in force, awaiting regulation), Spain, and Uruguay. In 2021, a Peruvian court allowed euthanasia for a single person, Ana Estrada. Eligibility for euthanasia varies across jurisdictions where it is legal, with some countries allowing euthanasia for mental illness.
Euthanasia is distinct from assisted suicide, which may be legal in certain other jurisdictions.