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Comment
. 1999 Feb;25(1):22-4.
doi: 10.1136/jme.25.1.22.

Slippery slopes in flat countries--a response

J J van Delden  1
Affiliations
Comment

Slippery slopes in flat countries--a response

J J van Delden. J Med Ethics. 1999 Feb.

Abstract

In response to the paper by Keown and Jochemsen in which the latest empirical data concerning euthanasia and other end-of-life decisions in the Netherlands is discussed, this paper discusses three points. The use of euthanasia in cases in which palliative care was a viable alternative may be taken as proof of a slippery slope. However, it could also be interpreted as an indication of a shift towards more autonomy-based end-of-life decisions. The cases of non-voluntary euthanasia are a serious problem in the Netherlands and they are only rarely justifiable. However, they do not prove the existence of a slippery slope. Persuading the physician to bring euthanasia cases to the knowledge of the authorities is a problem of any euthanasia policy. The Dutch notification procedure has recently been changed to reduce the underreporting of cases. However, many questions remain.

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