Brief analysis third evaluation Dutch Euthanasia law
For the third time in a row it has been found that the euthanasia law offers a good framework for the intended objectives of the law. Although there is social and political discussion on various aspects of the euthanasia practice, there are no problems with the contents of the law.
In 4.5% of the total number of deathseuthanasiais performed in 2015. The number of requests that led to euthanasia or physician assisted suicide increased from 45% in 2010 to 55% in 2015. Euthanasia requests are most frequently performed by family doctors, who also receive the largest number of requests. The characteristics of persons with a euthanasia request are unchanged.
The evaluationdemonstrates that the euthanasia law in Netherlands can count on huge support of the population. Of those surveyed by the study 88% agrees with the euthanasia law, 76% can imagine ever using it themselves.
Different groups
Public opinion on euthanasia and physician assisted suicide for persons who have no physical condition is positive. More than half of those surveyed agrees that people with dementia also should be able to get euthanasia, even if they no longer understand what happens. 53% of respondents finds that people with a psychiatric condition should be eligible for euthanasia. More than half finds that this also applies to elderly people with a completed life in certain stages.
Doctors
Although the willingness amongst doctors for euthanasia generally seems to be increased, it is unthinkable for a majority of the doctors to comply with a euthanasia request, in cases of dementia, psychiatry or completed life with a medical base. 15% of doctors indicates to have refused a request while the due diligence could be satisfied. The reason was in 22% of cases because he or she never agreed with termination of life on request. In 20% because the suffering was based on dementia, completed life, the lack of a terminal illness or psychiatry. More doctors say to always refer request if they cannot comply.
Other decisions around the end of life
Not only the number of euthanasia caseshas increased. The percentage of palliative sedation is also higherin 2015: 18%. In 55% the sedation was performed by a general practitioner. It is not clear what caused the huge increase of palliative sedation. The evaluation demonstrates there still is a grey area, where it is not clear how the relevant action is to be interpreted. In addition, the number of cases of termination of life without explicit request of the patient has not dropped compared to 2010.