The World Health Organization (WHO) is the branch of the United Nations dedicated to discussing and coordinating international matters related to physical health, mental health, safety, and relief. As part of the General Assembly, participating members may propose, debate, and vote on recommendations and guidelines affecting the global community as a whole. Additionally, WHO acts as a major player in global health emergencies by organizing research, facilitating collaboration, and training healthcare personnel.

Considered to be a controversial subject, medically assisted suicide typically involves patients voluntarily taking measures to end their own lives, most generally through help from physicians. It is currently illegal in most countries around the world, though legalization is generally growing across the Western world. Even in areas where the practice has been legalized, there are strict controls in place before the actual suicide could take place.

Since the practice is relatively new, state-sponsored suicide is still seen by many as something to be wary and careful of. Generally, support for the practice centers around patient choice and the often-unbelievable pain they’re suffering through, where death is generally be seen as a preferable alternative. As a minor side benefit, in systems with public healthcare, it can yield minor cost savings as a result of a reduced “burden” on the healthcare system. Opposition to the practice centers around affirming the preservation of life as long as possible as a result of ethical or other religious beliefs. Further ethical issues are also raised when considering the possibility of incurable diseases that are incurable today but may not be in 1-5-10 years, given the pace of research and technological advancements.

As a health issue, this practice has the potential to transform palliative care in the right circumstances with seemingly greater patient input into their own condition than ever before. However, as a political and philosophical issue, a consensus on medical assistance in suicide are unlikely to be reached soon.

a)  What are societal implications (cultural and demographic-wise) of allowing for assisted suicide in societies?

b)  What controls should be put in place in order to mitigate abuse of the system?

c)  In jurisdictions where the practice is legalized, what type of suicide should be deemed permissible?

d) In jurisdictions where the practice is still illegal, are there any alternatives that should be undertaken to mitigate some of the concerns surrounding medically assisted suicide?

Slippery Slope Or Wise Demise? The Pros And Cons Of Medically Assisted Dying

Medically Assisted Dying and Suicide: How Are They Different, and How Are They Similar? - Friesen - 2020 - Hastings Center Report

As seen in the differing reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic, the developing and the developed world have often had divergent responses to global health crises. While economies around the world suffered at the onset of the pandemic, the resulting effects from the disruption of supply chains to the manufacturing and distribution of vaccines had a disproportionate effect. Advanced economies were generally better able to navigate the pandemic more effectively as a result of their existing infrastructure, a more educated populace, and finally, generous government support. At the same time, developing countries, where information was more limited, found themselves receiving vaccinations later than other countries and also unable to contain the pandemic as effectively as other nations. An instance of this can be seen in the global economy’s rapid shift to work-from-home or other remote options, something that the developing world had a more difficult time with, in general.

A global pandemic requires actors to be working in relatively close coordination in order to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, whether they be economic or related to health. A global protocol for preparing and responding to the “next” pandemic in conjunction with all parties has the potential to reduce hospitalizations for millions of people as well as limit damage to the worldwide economy and healthcare system. Specific action and agreement on issues like clinical trials, endpoints for approval, addressing the effects of “long covid”, and vaccine distribution would be especially beneficial moving forward. Given the recency of the last pandemic as well as technical scientific requirements, hopefully, consensus and agreements can be reached with greater urgency and a sense of cooperation. While many citizens of the world would love to move on from the negative and delirious effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on affected citizens, healthcare systems, and economic activity around the globe must be carefully studied to reduce the severity of a future pandemic.

a)  What are some specific issues facing developing countries that could be rectified through action by developed countries?

b) What, if any, agreements could be made about future pandemic responses without necessarily knowing the nature of the next pandemic?

c)  What scientific evidence should be considered by this Committee when making these decisions?

Global challenges in preparedness and response to epidemic infectious diseases - PMC

Global Challenges to Public Health Care Systems during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of Pandemic Measures and Problems - PMC

A multinational Delphi consensus to end the COVID-19 public health threat | Nature