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
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
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