[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 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.