April 17, 2025
Dutch Calls for Easier Euthanasia for People with Dementia
It should be easier for people with dementia to choose euthanasia. That is the opinion of political party, D66 reports Metronieuws.nl
The party is therefore proposing a striking bill: euthanasia should be removed from criminal law.
The party also wants faster and better discussions about the end of life in cases of dementia.
The proposal, which will be sent to the House of Representatives later this year, will undoubtedly spark political debate.
The Christian Union and other Christian and conservative parties have already indicated that they are opposed to relaxing the euthanasia legislation.
Doctors reluctant to perform euthanasia
On paper, doctors have been allowed to perform euthanasia since 2002, even on people with dementia, provided that strict conditions are met. In practice, however, this proves difficult. General practitioners are often reluctant, says D66 leader Rob Jetten.
‘They are afraid of the consequences if they help someone die when not all criteria are black and white. This is certainly a grey area in the case of dementia.’
That is why D66 wants euthanasia to no longer be covered by criminal law. In the event of a mistake, doctors would then only be subject to medical disciplinary law, as is the case with other medical procedures.
‘This means that we give doctors more backing when they provide euthanasia care to dementia patients,’ says Jetten.
More than legal change
D66 not only wants to change the law, but also wants better support for people who have just been diagnosed with dementia.
For example, within three months of diagnosis, a meeting should take place with the general practitioner to discuss the course of the disease and any wishes regarding the end of life. Everyone should also be assigned a permanent case manager.
According to Member of Parliament Wieke Paulusma, simply adjusting the rules on due care is not enough. ‘That remains too open to interpretation. We really need to provide clarity to both patients and doctors.’
Political division
It is uncertain whether D66 will find enough support for the plan.
Christian Union leader Mirjam Bikker has already responded strongly via X:
‘D66 keeps pushing for euthanasia. What was once an exception is increasingly becoming the norm. Vulnerable lives deserve care and protection. Let’s work on that instead of pushing people towards death.’
Meanwhile, the number of people with dementia is growing rapidly. It is estimated that there are now around 300,000 in the Netherlands.
By 2040, that number could rise to half a million.
The call for clarity on euthanasia in such complex situations is therefore growing louder. Among patients, relatives and doctors.
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