Disparity in Approvals

While dutch law does ​not differentiate between physical adn mental suffering when considering euthanasia, approvals are significantly‍ more common for somatic illnesses, according to Rob Edens of the ⁤Dutch Association for Euthanasia. “The euthanasia law makes no distinction between suffering from a‍ somatic‍ or mental illness, but euthanasia is⁢ granted much more often in physical diseases,”⁢ Edens stated.

Growing Numbers of Cases

despite the disparity, euthanasia for psychological suffering is becoming increasingly prevalent. In ⁢2024, ⁢there were ‌219 reported cases, with 30 involving individuals under the age of 30. This represents a significant increase from 2020,when⁤ 80 cases were reported,five of ‍which were younger than 30.

A Complex and⁣ Rigorous Process

The Euthanasia Expertise⁢ Center, ​responsible ‍for evaluating⁣ half of all requests from psychiatric patients, emphasizes‍ the complexity of these cases. The process involves months,​ and frequently enough years, of intensive conversations between doctors, nurses, ⁤and patients, exploring their suffering, life ‍perspectives, and desires for death.

Ultimately, after ⁣thorough inquiry, euthanasia is granted to approximately 1 in 10⁤ patients.however, this rate is⁤ significantly lower for⁤ young people.

Multiple Layers of Review

Edens explains the additional safeguards in place for cases involving​ psychological suffering: “In regular euthanasia cases, a second, ‌autonomous doctor must watch whether all the regulations and care requirements have been met in​ addition ⁤to the executive doctor. With euthanasia due to psychological suffering, a third doctor with ‌psychiatric expertise is added. He looks‍ at whether all the fairly conceivable​ about treatments has been.” This multi-doctor review ensures a comprehensive assessment ‍of all available treatment options.