The PP has registered a total amendment with an alternative text to the bill that the Congress of Deputies admitted for processing in June, aimed at reducing judicial processing times in euthanasia cases to a maximum of 25 days. With this initiative, the 'popular' aim to reinforce universal access to palliative care and prioritize pain treatment and accompaniment as an alternative route.
The Plenary of Congress gave the green light in June to the consideration of this proposal sent by the Parliament of Catalonia, whose purpose is to avoid delays in judicial procedures. The proposal passed the first procedure by a very narrow margin, with 178 votes in favor and 169 against (PP, Vox, and UPN).
The initiative, promoted by Junts, ERC, Comuns, and the CUP and approved in April in the Parliament, contemplates modifying the Organic Law Regulating Euthanasia (LORE) and the Law regulating the Contentious-Administrative Jurisdiction to set non-extendable and "especially shortened" deadlines in judicial appeals related to euthanasia.
After the period for submitting amendments ended on September 30, the PP has formalized its alternative proposal to replace the original text. In this document, which Europa Press has accessed, the 'popular' exclude the provision of euthanasia and propose that people in the final phase of their life have the right to comprehensive care aimed at preventing and alleviating pain, including palliative sedation.
The text also states that every person in the final stage of their life, who needs to remain hospitalized in a healthcare or social center, must be able to have the accompaniment of their family and emotional environment.
According to the proposal, the centers will offer support and assistance to caregivers and families of patients in the final process of life, both at home and in healthcare and social facilities. Likewise, they will promote actions to facilitate the acceptance of the death of a loved one and to prevent situations considered pathological mourning.
Additionally, it is expected to guarantee patients in the final phase of life information and advice on the objectives of the palliative care they will receive, adjusted to their needs and preferences.
Single rooms and ethical criteria
In addition, the PP proposes that centers ensure that people in the final stages of their life, when hospitalization is required, have access to a single room during their stay, with the level of attention, care, and privacy appropriate to their clinical situation.
In cases of disagreement between healthcare professionals and patients regarding the care provided at the end of life, and that cannot be resolved by agreement, the corresponding Ethics Committee will be consulted, which may suggest alternatives or ethical solutions to controversial clinical decisions.
The initiative of the 'popular' specifies that the doctor will adjust the therapeutic effort when the clinical evolution advises it and will avoid therapeutic obstinacy, which "only leads to the prolongation of unnecessary suffering."