Exitus ry/rf (the Euthanasia Society Registered in Finland) was founded in 1993. It is an ethical society without any connections with politics or religion. Its principal objective is to promote the enacting of a law allowing voluntary ACTIVE EUTHANASIA in Finland.

In addition, this Society wishes to

- raise and deepen discussion about death and a terminally ill patient’s right to die with dignity
- to improve the patient’s rights in practice, in accordance with the Act on the Patient’s Rights
- to support all measures by the health authorities to organize extensive health care for the long-term patients and the terminally ill in Finland

Exitus ry/rfs definition of PASSIVE EUTHANASIA means giving up treatment or not starting it at all and generally avoiding such special treatment that would prolong the dying patient’s suffering and process of dying. Although special treatment is given up, the patient is still entitled to sufficient care and appropriate basic treatment and medication for pain. Living will signed by the patient helps the doctor in decision-making.

ACTIVE EUTHANASIA is voluntary, assisted death which is based on an adult’s own free will to die peacefully with dignity when there is no treatment available that would help him to recover from his illness or alleviate the symptoms. In active euthanasia, the doctor, on the request of the patient, speeds up the death by giving the patient e.g. a deathly dose of medicine. The following requirements must be met in the case of ACTIVE EUTHANASIA:

- It is based on the patient’s free will
- There is no cure for the patient’s illness and no medical means to improve his condition or alleviate his symptoms
- The condition of the patient is permanent or constantly deteriorating.
- The patient can see that death for him is a better choice than continuing to live.
- The patient can express his will either orally or in writing, but a written will is a clearer statement if misunderstandings are to be avoided.
- Two doctors always make the decision about active euthanasia, the doctor in charge of this patient and an outside doctor. The doctor must also act from his free will and on voluntary basis.

EXITUS ry/rf organizes lectures and discussions about euthanasia and living will. In addition, the Society gives information and support to individuals and their families in questions concerning euthanasia.

If you are interested in the work and objectives of this Society, BECOME A MEMBER OF EXITUS.

Our annual fee is 13,00 €. Additional information is available from Mrs. Gigi Hohenthal, tel +358 09 505 3732.