Recently, a trial took place involving a doctor who, at the request of a patient suffering from a severe disease known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), administered drugs that ended that person’s life. ALS is a devastating disease in which the muscles throughout the body progressively cease to function, eventually requiring round-the-clock care. The reality of facing this disease is incredibly harsh.

The doctor involved in this case is the defendant Yuichi Okubo (45 years old). Okubo was accused of the crime of murder at the request of a 51-year-old ALS patient. This fact was revealed through a jury trial.

While Okubo claimed innocence for his actions, this plea was ultimately unsuccessful, and he received a significant verdict from the court. In the first trial at the Kyoto District Court in February 2023, Okubo was sentenced to 13 years in prison. However, he appealed this ruling.

After appealing, a verdict was again handed down at the Kyoto District Court on March 5, 2024, sentencing Okubo to 18 years in prison. This can be seen as the result of the court weighing heavily the fact that his actions as a doctor ultimately led to the loss of life.

This case highlighted a series of issues, including the value and dignity of a patient suffering from a severe disease, as well as the ethics and responsibilities of a doctor. It will also serve as an opportunity to reconsider social perceptions of the role of medical professionals and end-of-life care.