Netherlands

Overview

The Netherlands was one of the first countries to legalize euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, with the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide Act coming into force in April 2002. Both euthanasia (physician-administered) and assisted suicide (patient self-administers a physician-prescribed medication) are permitted.

The Dutch model is notable for allowing non-terminal conditions, including chronic psychiatric disorders, when suffering is deemed unbearable and without prospect of improvement.

Eligibility Requirements

• The patient must be experiencing unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement
• The request must be voluntary, persistent, and well-considered
• The patient must be fully informed of their condition and prognosis
• There must be no reasonable alternative treatment
• A second independent physician must be consulted
• Patients aged 12–16 require parental consent; 16–17 year-olds may request independently (parents consulted)
• Adults 18+ may request independently
• Non-terminal conditions (including psychiatric) are eligible under strict review

The Process

• Patient makes a voluntary, repeated request to their physician
• Physician consults a second independent doctor (SCEN — Support and Consultation for Euthanasia in the Netherlands)
• Physician fulfills the request using approved medication protocols
• Death is reported to the municipal pathologist as non-natural
• A Regional Euthanasia Review Committee (RTE) reviews every case within 6 weeks
• If the committee finds non-compliance, the case is referred to prosecutors

Statistics

• Approximately 8,700–9,000 cases per year (as of recent years)
• Represents roughly 5% of all deaths in the Netherlands
• The majority involve cancer patients
• Psychiatric cases represent a small but growing percentage

Key Organizations & Resources

• Regional Euthanasia Review Committees (RTE) — toetsingscommissieseuthanasie.nl
• KNMG (Royal Dutch Medical Association)
• NVVE (Dutch Association for a Voluntary End of Life)
• Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport — government.nl

Legal Contacts

• NVVE — Dutch Association for a Voluntary End of Life — The leading patient-rights organisation in the Netherlands. Provides information, guidance, advance-directive templates, and support for those seeking euthanasia. nvve.nl
• Regional Euthanasia Review Committees (RTE) — Five regional committees that review every reported case of euthanasia for compliance with the statutory due-care criteria. Publishes annual statistics. euthanasiecommissie.nl
• Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport — Official government source for the Euthanasia Act text, policy updates, and national statistics. rijksoverheid.nl

Medical Contacts

• KNMG — Royal Dutch Medical Association — The professional body for Dutch physicians. Publishes ethical guidance and position statements on physician responsibilities under the Euthanasia Act. knmg.nl
• SCEN Network (Support and Consultation on Euthanasia in the Netherlands) — A national network of specially trained physicians who provide the independent second-opinion consultation legally required before euthanasia is performed. Ask your attending physician for a SCEN referral.
• Palliactief — Dutch Palliative Care Association — Connects patients and families with specialist palliative care teams as an alternative or complement to euthanasia. palliactief.nl

Important: Contact details and eligibility requirements change. Always verify information directly with each organisation before taking any action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a terminal illness required in the Netherlands?

No. The Dutch law is based on unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement, which can include non-terminal and even chronic psychiatric conditions, subject to strict independent review.

What is the difference between euthanasia and assisted suicide here?

Both are legal. In euthanasia the physician administers the medication; in assisted suicide the patient self-administers a medication the physician has prescribed.

Can minors request euthanasia?

Under strict conditions. Patients aged 12 to 16 require parental consent, 16 and 17 year-olds may request with parents consulted, and adults 18 and over may request independently.

How is each case checked?

A second independent physician (SCEN) must be consulted before the procedure, and a Regional Euthanasia Review Committee reviews every reported case afterward for compliance with the legal due-care criteria.