The Legal Validity of a Will for Euthanasia in the Iranian Legal System: A Jurisprudential-Legal and Comparative Analysis

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Law, Faculty of Law, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Law, Faculty of law, Tehran University, Teharn, Iran

Abstract

This study examines the validity of a will for euthanasia in the Iranian legal system through a jurisprudential–legal and comparative approach. Although modern medicine has intensified end‑of‑life dilemmas and many Western systems employ Advance Medical Directives to safeguard patient autonomy, Iranian law—grounded in the sanctity of life—contains significant ambiguity on this matter. By comparing Iran’s position with five jurisdictions (the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States), the research finds that a will for active euthanasia is entirely void in Iranian law, as it contravenes mandatory criminal norms, public order, and Islamic jurisprudential principles viewing life as a divine trust (ḥaqq Allāh). In contrast, a will for passive euthanasia—withdrawal of futile treatment—is legally defensible based on bodily integrity and self‑dominion. The study concludes that adopting a comprehensive Advance Medical Directive Act would clarify the distinction between the two forms of euthanasia and provide legal protection for medical practitioners.

Keywords

Main Subjects


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