Voluntary euthanasia in the Netherlands

On 10 April last, the Dutch Senat accepted a new bill concerning voluntary active euthanasia and physician assisted suicide. This bill legally embodies a ground for exemption from punishment for physicians who conducted voluntary active euthanasia or physician assisted suicide and who complied with...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inDeutsche medizinische Wochenschrift Vol. 126; no. 46; p. 1307
Main Author Gordijn, B
Format Journal Article
LanguageGerman
Published Germany 16.11.2001
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Child
Ethics, Medical
Euthanasia - legislation & jurisprudence
Germany
Humans
Netherlands
Right to Die
Suicide, Assisted
Netherlands
Germany
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:On 10 April last, the Dutch Senat accepted a new bill concerning voluntary active euthanasia and physician assisted suicide. This bill legally embodies a ground for exemption from punishment for physicians who conducted voluntary active euthanasia or physician assisted suicide and who complied with certain requirements. Hence, the old policy of tolerance has been transformed into a legal system of acceptance of certain forms of voluntary active euthanasia and physician assisted suicide. This contribution describes these legal changes as the final stage of a process of integration of voluntary active euthanasia and physician assisted suicide in Dutch society. In this way, it endeavours to contribute to a constructive debate.
ISSN:0012-0472