April 16, 2024

New penalties for Dutch euthanasia doctors who bend rules

The Dutch health minister wants to introduce penalties for doctors who disregard “procedural” guidelines when they administer euthanasia. Cl?mence Ross is responding to evidence that the real number of cases is twice the reported number. The Dutch public prosecution service believes that criminal penalties are not appropriate for these doctors (as opposed to doctors who ignore “material” guidelines such as informed consent). So the minister now wants to introduce sanctions such as reprimands, suspensions and fines. Other measures will be introduced to “promote transparency” and “create clarity” over the guidelines.