Petition: Request for the legalization of euthanasia, first draft
- リップディー（RiP:D)
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
[Petition: Request for the Legalization of Euthanasia, First Draft (Created November 25, 2025)]
Petition (proposal)
"Request for the legalization of euthanasia (humane end-of-life option)"
Submission date: January XX, 2026
Submitted by: Rest in Peace with Dignity (RiP:D) Association for the Legalization of Euthanasia
Submit to: Members of the Diet
Our website : RiPD - Association for the legalization of euthanasia | Establishment of the euthanasia system
Section 1. Purpose and Objectives
We, Rest in Peace with Dignity (RiP:D), a group aiming to legalize euthanasia , strongly request that euthanasia (humane end-of-life choice) be legalized in Japan in order to create an environment where terminally ill patients and those suffering from severe pain can choose a dignified end based on "self-determination."
Currently, Japan does not have a clear euthanasia law, and there is no adequate institutional framework in place to allow patients to make a dignified choice. This lack of a system not only imposes unnecessary pain and anxiety on patients and their families, but also creates ethical and legal dilemmas for medical professionals.
Through the legal establishment of this system, we aim to respect the right to self-determination , ensure transparency in medical care , and promote deeper social discussion about death , thereby realizing a "good death (death with dignity)" in Japanese society.
Part 2: Current situation and issues
Institutional gaps
In Japan, there is no law that explicitly allows for active euthanasia (when a doctor assists in ending a person's life using drugs, etc.), and it is interpreted as being prohibited from the perspective of criminal law.
In the past, there have been cases in which doctors have administered drugs and been found guilty. In those cases, the courts indicated that the requirements for such actions may include "unbearable pain," "imminent death," and "clear wishes of the patient."
Although there are suggestions for guidelines based on guidelines and precedents, there is no clear legal system in place, and anxiety remains among medical professionals, patients, and their families (Supplementary Material 1).
International comparison and lessons learned
In many Western countries, euthanasia and assisted suicide at the end of life are institutionally permitted, and systems with strict requirements and checks are in place.
For example, in the United Kingdom (England and Wales), a bill has been passed by the House of Commons that allows terminally ill adults to self-determine euthanasia by medication, subject to a doctor's diagnosis and judicial approval.
By taking inspiration from the systems of these countries, it is possible for Japan to build a legal system that balances safety and ethics (Supplementary Material 2).
Ethical and social concerns
Of course, careful discussion is necessary. There are social concerns about the risk of legalizing euthanasia, which could mean the right to self-determination over death, and the risk of it becoming compulsory (or creating pressure) to die.
In particular, there are concerns that elderly people and people with disabilities may be forced to make choices they do not want due to silent pressure from those around them, and that this could lead to instability in doctors' judgments.
However, these concerns and risks can be mitigated through transparency, rigorous institutional design, checks and balances, and public debate (Supplementary Material 2).
Section 3: Contents of the proposal
In light of the above, we strongly propose to the Diet that the following points be enacted into law .
Establishment of legal system
A clear legal system will be established that allows terminally ill patients and those suffering from severe pain to choose euthanasia based on their own decision.
The law sets out strict application conditions (e.g., intolerable physical and mental suffering, diagnoses by multiple doctors, confirmation of wishes, etc.) (Supplementary Material 3).
Check function and safety assurance
Rather than leaving decisions to doctors and medical institutions alone, ethical review committees, independent external evaluation bodies, and legal oversight mechanisms will be established.
The process for confirming patient wishes will be clearly documented, and a recording and reporting system will be made mandatory (Supplementary Material 3).
Promoting social debate and education
We will deepen the discussion on euthanasia throughout society through parliaments, public hearings, citizen participation workshops, etc.
Institutionalize education on risks, significance, and procedures for medical professionals, patients and their families, and the public.
If necessary, pilot systems or trial operations will be conducted in limited areas to verify the actual operational status and issues (Supplementary Material 3).
Coexistence and strengthening of palliative care
While making euthanasia a legal option, the government also promotes the improvement of palliative care (end-of-life care, pain management, etc.).
Strengthen the palliative care system, secure medical resources, and increase equality of access.
International collaboration and learning
When designing the system, we will refer to the systems of countries with existing systems (such as the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the UK) and actively learn about measures to ensure safety and ethics.
A periodic review system will be established to improve the system based on operational performance.
Section 4: Requests
In response to this petition (proposal), we request that members of the Diet take the following actions:
Consideration of private member's bills
Based on the proposed content, please draft and submit a private member's bill as soon as possible to institutionalize euthanasia.
Promoting bipartisan discussion
The issues surrounding this system span ethics, human rights, medical care, and the legal system. We ask that a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers be formed to promote broad-based discussion.
Public hearings/public dialogues
Please hold public hearings and town hall-style opinion exchange meetings within the Diet and reflect the voices of patients, families, medical professionals, and citizens in the design of the system.
Budgetary measures for research and verification
Please secure the necessary budget for pilot systems, operational evaluations, strengthening palliative care, etc. (Supplementary Material 4).
Fifth conclusion
The legalization of euthanasia is not simply the introduction of a new system, but an important issue that calls into question the nature of a society that respects human dignity and self-determination . As Japan becomes an aging society, the state has a responsibility to provide humane options for those suffering at the end of their lives.
We at RiP:D sincerely hope that this proposal will be seriously discussed in the Diet and that progress will be made toward its realization.
We appreciate your kind consideration, understanding, and support.
Sincerely,
Rest in Peace with Dignity (RiP:D) Association for the Legalization of Euthanasia
Our website : RiPD - Association for the legalization of euthanasia | Establishment of the euthanasia system
