Voluntary euthanasia under control? Further empirical evidence from The Netherlands.

Abstract

Nineteen ninety-six saw the publication of a major Dutch survey into euthanasia in the Netherlands. This paper outlines the main statisticalfindings of this survey and considers whether it shows that voluntary euthanasia is under effective control in the Netherlands. The paper concludes that although there has been some improvement in compliance with procedural requirements, the practice of voluntary euthanasia remains beyond effective control.(7ournal ofMedical Ethics 1999;25:16-21)

Legalised euthanasia will violate the rights of vulnerable patients

“…Dutch legislation has failed to improve reporting beyond 54% of all cases or to limit therapeutic killing without consent,16 19 which consistently accounts for about 1 in 7 of reported cases 16. Experience is similar in Belgium 20.…”

Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide among Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in the Netherlands

“…Concern was raised that euthanasia would be considered an alternative to palliative care. 8,9 In the Netherlands, euthanasia and assisted suicide are still illegal, but there is no punishment if they are performed by a physician and under strict conditions, including the presence of a voluntary and well-considered request, unbearable and hopeless suffering, and consultation with a second physician. Although the possibility of depression is a major consideration, referral to a psychiatrist is not mandatory.…”

Legal Euthanasia in Belgium

“…As was shown in other research, 17 no evidence was found to support the fear that, once euthanasia is legalized, the lives of elderly patients would be more likely to be ended with assistance Data presented are column percentages; P values calculated with Fisher exact test. Percentages may not always amount to 100% because of rounding.…”