Euthanasia and palliative care in The Netherlands: an analysis of the latest developments

Health Care Anal. 2004 Sep;12(3):195-207. doi: 10.1023/B:HCAN.0000044926.05523.ef.

Abstract

This article discusses the latest developments regarding euthanasia and palliative care in The Netherlands. On the one hand, a legally codified practice of euthanasia has been established. On the other hand, there has been a strong development of palliative care. The combination of these simultaneous processes seems to be rather unique. This contribution first focuses on these remarkable developments. Subsequently, the analysis concentrates on the question of how these new developments have influenced the ethical debate.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Bioethical Issues
  • Ethics, Medical
  • Euthanasia / ethics
  • Euthanasia / trends*
  • Humans
  • Netherlands
  • Palliative Care / ethics
  • Palliative Care / trends*