DGHS and assisted suicide: The organization deciding over life and death

Germany's Federal Constitutional Court affirmed in 2020 that all individuals have the right to assisted suicide, irrespective of whether they suffer from a severe illness. This ruling has placed the German Society for Humane Dying (DGHS), the nation's largest organization facilitating such procedures, under increasing scrutiny.

Despite the legal right, the DGHS is facing mounting criticism. Family members have reported feeling abandoned and misled by the organization, describing instances where assisted suicide facilitators allegedly processed death wishes without adhering to the society's own standards. One individual recounted feeling "left in the dark" by the DGHS, a claim the organization denies.

The accusations have escalated, leading the Cologne public prosecutor's office to investigate two palliative care workers since the beginning of the year. The investigation centers on their alleged involvement in the assisted suicide of a 47-year-old man who reportedly suffered from mental illness. The initial suspicion is indirect manslaughter.

This situation highlights the ongoing debate and regulatory gaps surrounding assisted suicide in Germany. While the constitutional court has established a right, the practical implementation and oversight, particularly concerning the role of organizations like the DGHS and the potential for abuse or mishandling, remain contentious issues. The lack of a specific law to govern assisted suicide further complicates the landscape, leaving room for legal challenges and ethical concerns.

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I felt abandoned by the DGHS as a relative, left in the dark.