The person from Porlock. Ethical issues in terminal care: the Dutch perspective [see comments]

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

The person from Porlock. Ethical issues in terminal care: the Dutch perspective [see comments]

Support Care Cancer. 1995 Jan;3(1):61-5. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/95211392
Blijham GH; Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Utrecht, The; Netherlands.

Abstract: In the Netherlands medical decisions concerning end of life (MDEL) play a role in 38% of all deaths. Euthanasia, defined as an intentional termination of life by somebody else at an individual's request, is done in 1.8% of deaths. Only 4% of Dutch physicians would never perform or refer for euthanasia, and over 50% have performed euthanasia. Around 25,000 Dutch patients per year bring up euthanasia as a possibility in case suffering becomes unbearable; around 10% will finally have euthanasia performed. On the basis of these opinions and data the Dutch legislation has recently been reformed. Euthanasia remains a crime and each case will be reviewed by the district attorney. Court decisions, however, have confirmed the view that in some cases of euthanasia the physician may be confronted with conflicting obligations and therefore will not be punished. As a consequence, cases fulfilling a number of requirements will not be prosecuted. In conclusion, MDEL including euthanasia are considered ethically justifiable and legally permissible if they are part of an open, honest and careful approach to patients with unbearable suffering, in particular in the case of cancer.

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/THERAPY Case Report Ethics, Medical Euthanasia/LEGISLATION & JURISPRUD Human Male Middle Age Neoplasms/THERAPY Netherlands *Suicide, Assisted/LEGISLATION & JURISPRUD/TRENDS Terminal Care/*LEGISLATION & JURISPRUD JOURNAL ARTICLE
Comment in: Support Care Cancer 1995 Jan;3(1):3-4
950730
M9570916

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