A recent report shows that around 10,000 people living in the Netherlands were euthanized last year, showing a 10% increase from the previous year and a 60% increase in those suffering from psychological conditions.
The Regional Euthanasia Review Board (RTE) reported that in 2024 there were 9,958 euthanasia reports in the Netherlands. This accounts for 5.8% of the total mortality rate in the country.
According to RTE, 86.29% of reports were due to “general physical conditions” such as cancer, heart problems, nervous system disorders and lung disorders. There have been 427 reports of euthanasia being observed in people suffering from dementia, and 219 reports originating from at least one psychological disorder from 138 in 2023.
In six cases, doctors who provided suicide assisted adjustment did not comply with what RTE called “dew care requirements” when providing euthanasia, researchers found.
Last year, minors reportedly received euthanasia “due to unbearable suffering as a result of their physical condition.” There were also 54 instances of what the report was called “Duo Elcinasia,” and the couple chose to die together.
Some experts, including Damian Dennis, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Amsterdam Medical Centre, have expressed concern beyond the report, namely the increasing demand for suicide assisted aid in young people struggling with mental health issues.
“Although the absolute numbers are still low, there has been a recent significant increase in demand and euthanasia, especially in patients with psychological dissatisfaction, among other people under the age of 30,” said Dennis, cited by the Guardian.
“It’s unclear whether young people at this age can meet due diligence criteria, so this is controversial. At that age, can you definitely tell that young people with still-developed brains want to die, that life is hopeless and that there are no prospects, and that all treatments are already in place?”
Others, among them, Fransien Van Ter Beek of the Dutch pro-Eltanasia group NVVE, argues that the limits on who can qualify for the proceedings are too limited.
“You can see that people with euthanasia requests still often end up in a maze,” she said, as she quoted in the era. “The good news is that more and more people are finally able to find their way.”
The Netherlands became the world’s first country to legalize euthanasia in 2001, legalizing euthanasia despite nearly 30 years of debate and protests from multiple Christian groups.
The 2001 law included various restrictions. Only patients suffering from constant and durable pain were permitted, and the mandated second opinion, the patient had to have a healthy mind.
In November 2023, a poll by around 200,000 Kies Compass found that 80% of the Netherlands allow older people who feel they can get suicide assisted suicide even if they are not terminally ill.
Originally published by The Christian Post
