[Organ donation after euthanasia]

Abstract

Background: In the Netherlands, it is possible for patients to donate organs after having received euthanasia. In many cases of organ donation after euthanasia (ODE), tissues, as well as the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, and pancreas, can be donated. The procedure for ODE is described in the national guideline for organ donation after euthanasia by the Dutch Transplant Foundation (NTS). In case of suffering due to a psychiatric disorder, the guideline of the Dutch Psychiatric Association is directional. Recently, the Erasmus MC suggested an assessment by an additional local psychiatrist.

Aim: To argue that current guidelines on euthanasia and organ donation offer a sufficient foundation for providing careful and conscientious care.

Method: Discussion of the background and practice of euthanasia and organ donation and the guidelines relevant for assessment.

Results: By following the current Euthanasia Code, the Dutch Psychiatric Association guideline and the NTS ODE guideline, the euthanasia and donation processes are separated and the carefulness of the assessment is guaranteed.

Conclusion: In case of suffering from a psychiatric disorder, extra caution is currently guaranteed by involving a second independent psychiatrist. An structural additional assessment by a local psychiatrist can disrupt both the euthanasia and organ donation assessment procedures, stigmatize psychiatric patients compared to those suffering from somatic disorders, and is unnecessarily burdensome for the patient.