Assignment: Loving, living and dying together in the Netherlands
Jul 1, 2024
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Els and Jan, a Dutch couple, plan to die via euthanasia due to their unbearable suffering. They share their touching story of love and preparing for their joint passing. The podcast discusses the ethical dilemmas and legal complexities of assisted dying, especially in cases of dementia. Their decision prompts reflection on societal views on intentional killing and dual euthanasia.
Duo euthanasia in the Netherlands requires stringent evaluations and clear directives for approval.
Euthanasia for dementia patients poses challenges due to the progressive nature of the disease.
Deep dives
Dual Euthanasia in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, duo euthanasia, where couples decide to die together, is a legal but rare practice. This process requires both individuals to meet specific criteria, including unbearable suffering with no hope of improvement. The couple must undergo evaluations by doctors, and ensuring that one partner is not influencing the other is crucial for approval. Despite the ethical and societal debates surrounding euthanasia, the Netherlands' laws allow for assisted dying under certain conditions.
Challenges of Assessing Euthanasia for Dementia Patients
The process of assessing euthanasia for dementia patients presents unique challenges. Due to the progressive nature of dementia, determining unbearable suffering becomes complex. Doctors need to evaluate both present and anticipated suffering, acknowledging the patient's changing identity and experiences. The requirement for clear directives and stringent assessments means that euthanasia for advanced dementia cases is rare and carefully considered.
Ethical Concerns and Societal Impact of Euthanasia
Critics of euthanasia, such as Dr. Theo Boer, raise concerns about the societal implications of legalizing assisted dying. They argue that granting euthanasia based on personal suffering may overlook essential human experiences like loss and resilience. The broader acceptance of euthanasia, especially in cases of dual euthanasia, raises questions about societal norms and values, leading to discussions on the ethical boundaries of end-of-life decisions.
Els and Jan have fewer than three days left on Earth. Childhood sweethearts who met in kindergarten more than six decades ago, they know precisely when they will die. And how. On an early summer’s Monday morning they will travel to a nearby hospice. Some of their family and friends will accompany them. And then precisely at 10.30am - holding hands, they hope - two doctors will administer lethal medication to each of them.
In the Netherlands, euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal if someone is suffering unbearably with no prospect of getting better. The suffering can be physical or psychological. Els was diagnosed with dementia. Jan lived with pain 24/7.
Last year, 33 Dutch couples chose to die like Els and Jan. And in February, one of the Netherlands’ former Prime Ministers ended his life by euthanasia together with his wife.
For Assignment, Linda Pressly meets Els and Jan as they prepare for the end. And she explores the complex issue of allowing euthanasia in cases of dementia. A warning: some listeners might find the content of this documentary upsetting.
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