Taiwan Group Assists Terminally Ill in Accessing Assisted Suicide Abroad

25-07-2023 

Dana Andreeva

Team Japan Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defence

The debate over euthanasia and assisted suicide has sparked discussions in Taiwan, as more countries around the world legalize these practices. While legislators in Taiwan consider legal changes, a group called the Taiwan End-of-Life Dignity and Consultation Services Association (TEDSA) has quietly been helping terminally ill individuals access assisted suicide. Founded by a Taiwanese emergency care doctor named John, TEDSA collaborates with Swiss organization Dignitas to facilitate the application process and support those who wish to travel to Switzerland for assisted suicide. (Thomson, 2023) 

The lack of well-developed laws and regulations in Taiwan concerning euthanasia and assisted suicide has left terminally ill patients with limited options, resulting in many simply waiting for death. TEDSA aims to address this issue by assisting individuals seeking a peaceful end to their lives. (Wang, 2023)

In Switzerland, where TEDSA directs patients, assisting someone in ending their life, also known as "active euthanasia," is technically illegal. However, providing the means for individuals to commit suicide, given their voluntary consent, has been legal for over 80 years. A Swiss doctor can prescribe lethal medicine, but the patient must self-administer it. TEDSA collaborates with Dignitas, which offers services to those with terminal illness, incapacitating disabilities, or unbearable pain, respecting individuals' autonomy in deciding their own fate. (Thomson, 2023) 

TEDSA works closely with patients and their immediate families to undergo a review process. If the group agrees to assist them, applicants join Dignitas and submit their medical records to confirm eligibility. Subsequently, they undergo two interviews with Dignitas doctors in Switzerland. Upon successful completion, the applicant's request is approved, and a date is set for providing them with lethal drugs to end their own life. (The Reporter, 2020) 

TEDSA, led by dedicated volunteers, offers consultation services to terminally ill individuals seeking assisted suicide. By working with Dignitas and following the established process, the group has assisted 12 people in ending their lives peacefully. While Taiwan has passed the Patient Right to Autonomy Act, which allows patients to create advanced care plans, euthanasia and assisted suicide remain illegal. TEDSA hopes to bring the methods used in Switzerland back to Taiwan to grant the sick greater autonomy in their death. However, obstacles such as religious opposition and the lack of political will hinder the progress of end-of-life care reform. (Thomson, 2023)  TEDSA remains optimistic, continuing its work and hoping for future legislative changes to provide more options for terminally ill individuals in Taiwan.

Sources and further readings:

Thomson, J., (2023, July 13). Taiwan group helps terminally ill access assisted suicide in Switzerland. Taiwan News. https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4942889 

Wang, J., (2023, March 6). The Legislative Yuan re-introduces the draft "Law on Dignity and Pleasant Death" to understand the differences with the Patient Law and the Peace Regulations. News.pts. https://news.pts.org.tw/article/625953 

The Reporter, (2020). Stepping on the gray scale of morality and law, a young doctor initiated Taiwan's first euthanasia tour agency organization. The Reporter. https://www.twreporter.org/a/good-death-myth-physician-assisted-suicide-agent?fbclid=IwAR3BBYcBCY3JCxpdTakUg04ZU7C_pU4Y4lC2MDxZ3HolXOVrNr_5YPQc72g