[Legal and practical aspects of euthanasia: experiences in The Netherlands]

Following a debate of more than 30 years the "Dutch Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide Act" has come into force in 2002. Basically, the termination of life on request will in accordance with the Criminal Code remain punishable. Punishability is precluded if the physician notifies the review committee that he has performed termination of life on request and the committee is of the opinion that the physician has satisfied the due care criteria dictated in the Act. The Public Prosecution Service will not be informed, so the physician cannot be penalized. The review committee is composed of a lawyer, a physician and an expert on ethical issues.