
Netherlands offers euthanasia for alcoholics
Dutch journalist writes book about the death of his brother
The ever-expanding circle of eligibility for euthanasia now includes alcoholism. Writing in the Dutch magazine Linda, journalist Marcel Langedijk describes the grim life and death of his brother Mark, a hopeless alcoholic.
After eight years and 21 stints in hospital or rehab, Mark decided that he had enough. He had two children but his marriage had collapsed; his parents cared for him and he had plenty of family support, but he was unable to dry out.
Finally he asked for euthanasia. Physically he was quite ill and psychologically he was suffering badly.
A woman doctor in a black dress and sneakers arrived to give him his lethal injection. She confirmed his decision and then gave him three doses.
Mr Langedijk is writing a book about his younger brother’s disease and his death through euthanasia which will be published next year.
https://www.bioedge.org/images/2008images/TH_Alcoholism.jpg
Creative commons
https://www.bioedge.org/images/2008images/Alcoholism-in-Retirement-Overlooked-Undertreated.jpg
euthanasia
netherlands
- How long can you put off seeing the doctor because of lockdowns? - December 3, 2021
- House of Lords debates assisted suicide—again - October 28, 2021
- Spanish government tries to restrict conscientious objection - October 28, 2021
More Stories
A lonely euthanasia death on Vancouver Island
In assisted dying, it would be unethical to carry out clinical trials. How could you design an experiment in which...
Does legalising assisted suicide really decrease non-assisted suicide?
Legalising assisted suicide and euthanasia increases the risk of suicide, according to recent research by the UK’s Anscombe Bioethics Centre....
An Australian suicide puts Dr Philip Nitschke back on the media stage
Dr Philip Nitschke, the veteran Australian activist for the right to suicide, is back in the news again. A feature...
The ‘dead donor rule’ takes another one on the chin
Another attack on the dead donor rule comes in this month’s Journal of Medical Ethics. Anthony P. Smith, a philosopher...
Netflix binges on serial killer nurse Charles Cullen
Netflix is going all in on serial killer Charles Cullen, a nurse who may have dispatched as many as 400...
Euthanasia makes clean sweep of Australian states
The Australian state of New South Wales legalised euthanasia and assisted suicide last week. Members of the Upper House supported...