FAQ Euthanasia

This document answers questions about Dutch policy on euthanasia. In the Netherlands, euthanasia is understood to mean termination of life by a doctor at the request of a patient. Pain, humiliation and the desire to die with dignity are the main reasons why patients request euthanasia.
Patients who are suffering unbearably may, after serious consideration, request that their life be terminated. Dutch law allows for doctors to comply with such requests in certain cases. In principle, euthanasia is an offence under Dutch law, unless the doctor reports the fact and he/she has complied with the statutory due care criteria.
Policy on euthanasia is the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.