Euthanasia in the Broader Framework of Dutch Penal Policies

Abstract

The authors have regarded euthanasia in the broader framework of Dutch penal policies. They present euthanasia as a typical example of the pragmatic - rather than dogmatic - way the Dutch try to tackle difficult moral problems in connection with the criminal justice system. Definitions, statutory law, procedural issues, borderline cases, professional supervision, and empirical findings are provided, analyzed, and discussed. Finally, the authors point at various advantages and drawbacks of the Dutch approach. Thus, the Dutch model is not depicted as ideal, but neither is it a horror story as suggested by some hardliners and by some foreign media reports. Probably the most precious advantage, the authors state, is that euthanasia has been generally accepted as a legitimate subject of discussion.

Keywords: euthanasia, palliative care, terminal sedation, assisted suicide

JEL Classification: K14, K42