Society Uncensored | Final Exit

Do we have the right to choose the way in which our life will end? The “Society Uncensored” discussion series continues, giving prominence to one of the most debated and divisive issues of our times: euthanasia and assisted suicide. Can we select a peaceful and humane death when our lives have reached a point where pain and helplessness have become insufferable? What are the ethical dilemmas that arise and what is the legal framework that defines those practices?

Today these questions are found at the heart of public debate. Most recently, the British parliament voted for the legalization of assisted suicide for terminally ill adult patients with a life expectancy of six months or less. The United Kingdom has now joined the small league of European countries that have legalized the procedure, next to the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, and Portugal. Where does Greece stand?

The “Society Uncensored” discussion series opens a dialogue that goes beyond the narrow boundaries of medical and legal science. What are the ethical dilemmas that arise when life reaches its end? How can we outbalance the right to self-determination with the obligation to protect human life? Who defines the meaning of dignified death? Specialist scientists, along with people who experience the consequences of these choices first-hand, share their knowledge and insights. Lawyers clarify the legal framework that governs euthanasia and assisted suicide in Greece and internationally, the different approaches various countries follow, as well as their results. How do families and caregivers experience all this? And what is the role of religious beliefs and cultural values?

Our goal is to create a space for open and constructive dialogue. Only through an honest and in-depth discussion can we understand the complexity of this matter, find answers, and build a social consensus. The way we say goodbye to our lives concerns us all.

The Onassis Stegi hosts the series of “Society Uncensored” online discussions with the option of physical attendance. The audience may attend them in person and become a part of a productive dialogue through a Q&A session with the guest speakers. The discussion will be filmed and presented on the Onassis YouTube Channel. Admission to the event is free, and a pre-booking of your seat is required. By attending this discussion, the audience members consent to their video recording. Parental consent is necessary for the entry of young people under 18. The audience's arrival will begin at 18:30.

Athanasios Anagnostopoulos, PhD in Law, Lawyer

Stavros Zoumboulakis, Writer, President of the Supervisory Council of the National Library of Greece

Evrydiki Kravvariti, Specialist Pathologist, Assistant Professor of Geriatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Aliki Tserkezoglou (MD, PhD), Director of the Palliative Care Unit “Galilea”

Maria Chatziioannou, Content Creator

Chaired by: Manina Danou, Journalist, Radio Producer

Curated by: Lina Giannarou, Pasqua Vorgia, Dimitris Theodoropoulos

Georgia Katsarou, Spouse of a patient with motor neuron disease

Sandy Kolovou, Nephrologist—Intensivist, Assistant Professor of Organ Donation & Transplantation Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Intensive Care Unit, Onassis Hospital

Brian Ruder, President, Final Exit Network