HealthyPIG Magazine

Do Belgium, Switzerland and the Netherlands allow euthanasia services for foreign citizens? Answer 1: A retired doctor who has practiced medicine...

It is available in an increasing number of countries and jurisdictions, except in the UK, where it remains illegal

There are many ways to intentionally hasten the end of life. Euthanasia is the most explicit and is only performed when the patient clearly expresses their wish to die. The Netherlands has statutory rules and procedures for termination of life upon request.

Under Dutch law, any act aimed at ending life is in principle a criminal offence. The only immunity from criminal liability is when the patient is experiencing unbearable pain with no hope of improvement and the attending physician meets the statutory standard of due care.

Right-to-die advocates often point to the Netherlands as an example of how voluntary euthanasia for competent terminally ill patients can work without abuse, with the assistance of a doctor. But the facts show otherwise.