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| (Photo: ThinkProgress) |
The Dutch
law allowing euthanasia under certain sharply defined circumstances often
raises eyebrows abroad. And it gives rise to countless unfounded allegations.
The
criticism is often made in foreign media that euthanasia is too easy in the
Netherlands. The elderly are said to fear for their lives in Dutch hospitals. A
Dutch clinic where people tired of living can have their lives terminated is
apparently going to open its doors soon. These of course are bogus reports, but
what exactly is the real state of play?
Myth 1:
Euthanasia is really easy is in the Netherlands (as claimed by Lifenews)
In April it
will be a decade since the Dutch law allowing doctors to perform euthanasia was
passed. A patient is required to ask for the procedure specifically and be the
victim of unbearable suffering – having an incurable disease, for example – or
of hopeless psychological problems. All cases of euthanasia have to be
registered with special review committees.
Performing
euthanasia and assisting suicide are in principle illegal, with a maximum
sentence of 12 years in prison. The procedure is only allowed if the doctor has
fulfilled the legal requirements.
Myth 2:
Elderly Dutch people prefer to go to hospitals abroad for fear of being
murdered by doctors in hospitals in the Netherlands
Dutch
hospitals are not allowed to end people’s lives. Dutch people do sometimes go
abroad for treatment but this is to avoid being put on a waiting list and get
certain operations or treatments more quickly.
Myth 3:
Children can use euthanasia to get rid of their elderly parents in order to get
their hands on the inheritance
Children
have no authority whatsoever concerning the ending of their parents’ lives. One
can only ask for one's own euthanasia. Euthanasia is only allowed when people
of sound mind have themselves more than once let it be known that they do not
wish to continue living under certain circumstances. The request has to be made
verbally and in writing to a doctor who has a professional relationship to the
patient.
It has to
be proven that it’s a case of hopeless suffering. Someone suffering from
dementia can no longer request euthanasia since he or she is no longer of sound
mind. People can make a living will requesting euthanasia in certain
circumstances before they become demented. Relatives can oversee the
performance of their parents’ living wills.
Myth 4: A
Dutch clinic is to open where you can end your life
Right to
Die-NL (NVVE) is due to launch an ‘end-of-life’ clinic for assisted suicides in
the second half of 2012. But you can't simply check in when you're feeling a
bit down. Patients can make use of the facility only if they fulfil the
conditions specified by the euthanasia law but their doctors refuse to carry
out the procedure.
After
requesting admission to the clinic, patients are first screened and then
interviewed by a doctor and nurse. They look into whether or not the conditions
of the law have been met and a relationship of trust with the patient is then
built up. If a choice for euthanasia is made, the possibility of the patient
ending their life at home will first be explored. If that is not possible, the
patient will be able to go to the end-of-life clinic. The clinic is operated by
the NVVE and as such is recognised by the Dutch authorities.
Myth 5: One
telephone call and a mobile team turns up to end your life
From 1
March 2012, six mobile teams from the NVVE, each comprising a doctor and a
nurse, will be available to visit patients on request. But they don't simply
turn up and kill the patient. The teams can be contacted when a family doctor
is unable or unwilling to perform euthanasia or assist suicide despite the fact
that the patient fulfils the conditions of the law. A independent consultant
will be brought in to make the legal position absolutely clear. Euthanasia can
then take place in the home.
Myth 6:
Dutch people go around with wristbands saying they don’t want to be euthanised
This
allegation was made recently by US Republican presidential hopeful Rick
Santorum. Elderly Dutch people, he claimed, had wristbands with the text, “No
euthanasia please”, on them. The Washington Post checked up on the facts and
was able to reassure the American public. The claim was totally false. What had
Mr Santorum heard?
He must
have heard that the Albert Schweitzer hospital in Dordrecht has implemented a system
using wristbands. Patients who do not wish to be resuscitated, should they
lapse into a life-threatening situation, get a red band. Doctors are able to
see in an instant the patients who do not wish to be reanimated.
Myth 7: Ten
percent of Dutch deaths are down to euthanasia and many people are forced into
it (another quote from Mr Santorum)
In 2010,
136,058 people died in the Netherlands, which has a population of over 16.5
million. In that year, there were 3,136 reported cases of euthanasia. That is
not 10 but 2.3 percent. The real figure could be slightly higher as the most
recent research based on figures from 2007 shows that about 80 percent of
euthanasia cases are reported. Forced euthanasia is not permitted in the
Netherlands.
Myth 8:
Everyone can come to the Netherlands in order to have their life terminated
That is
what Chinese website Sina.com alleged. But in order to be eligible for
euthanasia, people have to be within Dutch jurisdiction. Foreigners cannot
simply come to the Netherlands and have euthanasia carried out.
The legal
procedure requires that the patient's request is voluntary and well-considered,
and that the patient is suffering unbearably and is without any chance of
recovery. This is to be judged by the patient's regular doctor.
Myth 9:
Parents can get rid of their handicapped child
This is not
considered euthanasia, since very young, severely disabled children, or babies
with hardly a chance of survival, cannot ask for an end to their lives, or give
permission for it. But this form of merciful death does exist, and is referred
to as 'life-ending action without the express wish of the patient'. Doctors and
parents decide jointly not to begin medical treatment, or to discontinue one,
if it is deemed pointless, or because the situation lacks any hope of
improvement.
Children
aged between 12 and 16 can decide that they want euthanasia, but they still
need the approval of their parents or carers. Teenagers aged 16 and 17 are
considered adult enough to take the decision on their own.
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| (Photo: albert schweitzer ziekenhuis) |
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