According to EAPC, “assistance in dying” is not part of palliative care
In a paper published on 3rd December 2025, the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) states that “assistance in dying” is not part of palliative care.
Established in1988, the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) is an organisation devoted to the promotion and development of palliative care in Europe and beyond. It is recognised by the European Council, and aspires to speak “with a single voice and a common vision” on important aspects relating to palliative care.
The EAPC council convened in Berlin to examine the evolution of legislations governing “assistance in dying” throughout Europe. Whereas a few nations have legalised euthanasia or assisted suicide and others, such as France are examining proposals to that intent, the international organisation wished to clarify its position. Following these discussions, the Dutch Dr. Jeroen Hasselaar, its new president, stated that “assistance in dying” is not part of palliative care, even if the organisation respects the legislative choices made by each nation.
Representing some 76 nations, of which 41 are European, the EAPC points out that its mission is to promote palliative care in accordance with the WHO definition: their aim is neither to accelerate nor to delay death, but rather to assert the value of life and to accompany the natural process of dying. The Institution reasserts its priority: to guarantee access to high quality palliative care for all. “We believe that all patients who express a desire to hasten their death should be able to access appropriate palliative care, delivered with goodwill and support.” Even if the debate is not over, the EAPC council wishes to contribute to public clarity and to defend the essential position of palliative care.
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