ESSENTIAL FACTOR

The essential factor for requesting euthanasia

In the Dutch legislation is that a person be experiencing unbearable suffering.  Since the law does not require that a person be terminal ill in order to be euthanised, individuals who are not given appropriate pain and symptom management will be candidates for euthanasia.

Essentially this law protects physicians and nursing care providers who lack the knowledge and expertise necessary for excellence in patient care, rather than protecting their patients.