Extending ’ euthanasia to those ‘tired of living’ in the Netherlands could jeopardize a well-functioning practice of physicians’ assessment of a patient's request for death

The Dutch Euthanasia Act (EA) took effect in 2002 and regulates the ending of one ’s life by a physician at the patient’s request [1]. Granting this patient’s request depends on physicians’ assessment of whether the following requirements have been satisfied: 1) the request is voluntary and well-considered, 2) the patient is suffering unbearably without any prospect of im provement, 3) the patient is informed about his situation and prospects, 4) there are no reasonable alternatives to relieve suffering, 5) an independent physician must be consulted by the treating physician to evaluate criteria 1–4 prior to physicians’ granting of the request and 6) euthanasia i s performed with due medical care and attention.
Source: Health Policy - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Opinion Piece Source Type: research