Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan thinks he it's "improper" for the government
to take the lead on any move to legalize assisted suicide.

He also said any debate on the issue "should be made with caution and start
from the grassroots."

The statement follows renewed talk of legalizing euthanasia after the death
of Ju Ming this past weekend, who died by suicide at the age of 85 after
years of chronic health problems.

The health minister said the crux of the issue is that it doesn't just
involve a person who is ill and wants to end their life, but that another
individual has to actively assist them - and that responsibility currently
falls on medical personnel.

Hsueh says many cases like Ju Ming's have complex backstories... and he adds
physician-assisted suicide is not supported by both the Hippocratic Oath and
the policies of the World Medical Association.

As a result, Hsueh says there may be medical professionals who won't be
willing to take part in it.