The Guidelines for Euthanasia in the Netherlands: Reflections on Dutch Perspectives

Ethical Perspectives, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 3-20, 2002

20 Pages Posted: 19 Aug 2003 Last revised: 14 Aug 2009

See all articles by Raphael Cohen-Almagor

Raphael Cohen-Almagor

University of Hull; Middle East Study Centre; Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Abstract

This essay reports some of the main findings of interviews with leading authorities on the question of euthanasia in the Netherlands. It provides detailed accounts of the way in which some of these experts perceive the policy and practice of euthanasia in their country. The discussion begins with a background information on the Guidelines for euthanasia. Next, explanation about the research methodology is outlined and then I discuss the interviewees' views about the Guidelines for euthanasia. I conclude by indicating that the Dutch Guidelines on the policy and practice of euthanasia do not provide ample mechanisms against abuse. Virtually every Guideline has been breached or violated. This finding reiterates Hendin's finding. I recommend that the Netherlands amend its policy and remedy its troubling practice.

Keywords: euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, guidelines, dignity, Remmelink, the Netherlands, medical decisions concerning the end of life

Suggested Citation

Cohen-Almagor, Raphael and Cohen-Almagor, Raphael, The Guidelines for Euthanasia in the Netherlands: Reflections on Dutch Perspectives. Ethical Perspectives, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 3-20, 2002, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=436585

Raphael Cohen-Almagor (Contact Author)

University of Hull ( email )

Cottingham Road
Hull, Great Britain HU6 7RX
United Kingdom

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.hull.ac.uk/faculties/staff-profiles/raphael-cohen-almagor.aspx

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars ( email )

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Middle East Study Centre ( email )

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United Kingdom
0044-1482 465024 (Phone)
0044-1482-466208 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://hcc.haifa.ac.il/~rca

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