DutchNews.nl - MPs to debate euthanasia law

MPs to debate euthanasia law

Wednesday 19 March 2008

Elderly people who ‘are finished with life’ should be able to get help to die, Femke Halsema, leader of the left wing GroenLinks party, says in Wednesday’s Volkskrant.

Halsema plans to raise the issue during today’s parliamentary debate on euthanasia law, which currently only applies to people with terminal illnesses.

A poll by TV programme Rondom 10 at the beginning of March showed 63% believe that old people should have the right to assisted suicide.

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Readers' comments

Dutch law does not limit euthanasia to the terminally ill. It even permits euthanasia/assisted suicide for the depressed.

By Wesley J. Smith | March 19, 2008 9:15 PM

I thought euthanasia in the form of lack of treatment was a common practice in The Netherlands for most health issues. That has been my experience in the 2.5 years I have lived in Holland. I go to the US for health care, and I highly recommend it. They actually treat illnesses there!

By Tim Lee | March 20, 2008 1:44 PM

Physician-assisted death in the Netherlands is simply viewed as the end form of medical treatment for the terminally ill or those suffering unbearably. The patient must have an underlying medical condition and be aware of what he or she is deciding as Mr. Smith well knows.

By Alan Rothschild | March 21, 2008 11:36 AM

Well, as long as they're not shoving people into cattle cars to get them to the gas chambers...........

By Kathy | April 2, 2008 3:16 PM

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