Do the Terminally Ill Have a Right to Die?

Trendsetting Netherlands

These seem like reasonable requirements to me. Since it is, as you said, a personal choice, I see no reason why people who fit into these categories should not be able to request their own death. The boundaries set by Oregon are very strict and, as long as they are adhered to strictly, provide no possible wiggle room for mistakes or misjudgments.

Physician-assisted suicide is also legal under certain circumstances in the Netherlands, since April 1, 2002. The rules are as restrictive as in Oregon; in fact, two thirds of the requests to physicians for euthanasia are refused. The following is an excerpt from a brochure detailing the Netherlands’ new rules concerning euthanasia:

“The new Act on euthanasia does not change the legal status of termination of life on request or assisted suicide. They are still offenses under the Criminal Code. Doctors are exempt from prosecution, however, if they comply with the statutory criteria for due care and notify the municipal pathologist of their actions. The pathologist then notifies one of the five regional review committees.

“The due care criteria are as follows. Doctors must:
a. be satisfied that the patient’s request is voluntary and well-considered.
Note: This means that the request must not be made owing to pressure from or influence by other people or as the result of a mental disorder. The patient must fully understand the nature of his condition, his prospects and the types of treatment available. He must also have repeatedly expressed the wish to die;
b. be satisfied that the patient’s suffering is unbearable, and that there is no prospect of improvement;
c. inform the patient about his situation and further prognosis;
d. discuss the situation with the patient and come to the conclusion that there is no reasonable alternative;
e. consult at least one other physician with no connection to the case, who must then see the patient and state in writing that the attending physician has satisfied the due care criteria listed in a. to d. above; and
f. exercise due medical care and attention in terminating the patient’s life or assisting in his suicide.
Note: The doctor must perform euthanasia himself. He may not have someone else do it. In cases of assisted suicide, the doctor must remain with or near the patient until death occurs.”

In the Netherlands, as well as in Oregon, euthanasia is tolerated under certain conditions. Opponents need to understand that physicians will not go around administrating lethal injections to anyone who wants it. There are strict regulations that a patient must meet in order to be considered. Other states should seriously consider adopting this legislature in the best interest of their citizens who are suffering through the culmination of a fatal disease.

Euthanasia, the Netherlands` new rules." The ministry of Health, Welfare and
Sport. 8 Apr. 2002. 1 Mar. 2009
euthanasia_the_netherlands_new_rules.asp>.