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[Limits to euthanasia]
1Dr. S.J. de Kort, specialist ouderengeneeskunde en ethicus (susannedekort@hotmail.com).
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|May 14, 2015
Summary
Dutch physicians are hesitant about euthanasia for psychiatric or dementia patients. Current interpretations of due care criteria may lead to a "slippery slope" effect, necessitating stricter guidelines for end-of-life decisions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Physician willingness for euthanasia varies, particularly for patients with psychiatric conditions, dementia, or existential suffering.
- Regional Review Committees have broadly interpreted due care criteria, leading to acceptance of euthanasia in complex cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the suitability of current Dutch euthanasia due care criteria in light of recent societal changes.
- To argue for a stricter interpretation of euthanasia criteria to prevent a potential 'slippery slope'.
Main Methods:
- Commentary based on analysis of recent social developments and their impact on euthanasia legislation.
- Review of the application of due care criteria in cases involving psychiatric disease, dementia, and life-weariness.
Main Results:
- Less than half of Dutch physicians find euthanasia conceivable for patients with psychiatric disease, dementia, or life-weariness.
- Broader interpretations of due care criteria by review committees have resulted in acceptance of euthanasia in these patient groups.
Conclusions:
- Current euthanasia due care criteria are under pressure due to societal shifts, including healthcare cuts and evolving end-of-life perspectives.
- A return to stricter interpretation of criteria, specifically regarding voluntary requests and treatment alternatives, is advocated to mitigate risks.