Euthanasia revisited

Abstract

Euthanasia is a debatable issue. It is illegal all over the world. The Netherlands is the only country where euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide are openly practised since the physician performing these acts will not be prosecuted under certain circumstances. There were several court cases and court decisions that affected the development of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in individual countries. When a patient asked for euthanasia, it was very important to find out the underlying reasons and make all legal means available to relieve the pain and other distressing symptoms.