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. 1994 May 21;308(6940):1346–1349. doi: 10.1136/bmj.308.6940.1346

Euthanasia in The Netherlands.

G van der Wal 1, R J Dillmann 1
PMCID: PMC2540255  PMID: 8019226

Abstract

The practice of euthanasia in the Netherlands is often used as an argument in debates outside the Netherlands--hence a clear description of the Dutch situation is important. This article summarises recent data and discusses conceptual issues and relevant characteristics of the system of health care. Special emphasis is put on regulation, including relevant data on notification and prosecution. Besides the practice of euthanasia the Dutch are confronted with the gaps in reporting of cases to the public prosecutor and the existence of cases of ending a life without an explicit request. Nevertheless, the "Dutch experiment" need not inevitably lead down the slippery slope because of the visibility and openness of this part of medical practice. This will lead to increased awareness, more safeguards, and improvement of medical decisions concerning the end of life.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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