Euthanasia and assisted suicide. II. Do Dutch family doctors act prudently?

Abstract

We conducted a survey among two random samples of Dutch doctors in order to determine whether they acted prudently with regard to euthanasia and assisted suicide. The doctors completed an anonymous questionnaire and those who at one time or another had applied euthanasia or assisted suicide (52%) were asked about several aspects of the requirements for prudent practice. 'Pointless suffering' was the most important and most common reason for requesting euthanasia or assisted suicide; 'pain' was rarely the most important reason. In 7% of the cases alternative forms of treatment were still available; these were hardly ever therapeutic. A total of 12% of the doctors had applied euthanasia or assisted suicide without having had any kind of consultation or discussion with a colleague, a nurse or any other health care professional; 26% had not issued a certificate testifying to death from natural causes. We conclude that some of the family doctors do not observe the procedural requirements, but that the majority satisfies the material requirements for prudent practice.