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[Voluntary euthanasia in the Netherlands].
1Fachbereich Ethik, Philosophie und Geschichte der Medizin, Katholsiche Universität Nijmegen, Postfach 9101, Germany. b.gordijn@eftg.kun.nl
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|December 6, 2001
Summary
The Dutch Senate legalized voluntary active euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, shifting from tolerance to legal acceptance. This marks a significant integration of these practices into Dutch society.
Area of Science:
- Medical Law
- Bioethics
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- The Netherlands previously operated under a policy of tolerance regarding voluntary active euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.
- A shift towards formal legal recognition of these practices has been observed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the recent legal changes in the Netherlands concerning voluntary active euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.
- To analyze these changes as a culmination of societal integration of these practices.
Main Methods:
- Legal analysis of the new bill passed by the Dutch Senate on April 10th.
- Historical and societal context review of euthanasia and assisted suicide in the Netherlands.
Main Results:
- The Dutch Senate accepted a new bill establishing legal grounds for exemption from punishment for physicians performing voluntary active euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide under specific conditions.
- This legislation transforms the previous policy of tolerance into a legal system of acceptance.
Conclusions:
- The new law represents the final stage in the integration of voluntary active euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide into Dutch society.
- The contribution aims to foster constructive debate on these legal advancements.