Woman euthanised in the Netherlands for fear of living in a nursing home

A Dutch doctor ended the life of a woman under the country's euthanasia laws after she complained she did not want to live in a care home.

The woman, who was partially paralysed by a stroke, died by a lethal injection at the Levenseindekliniek – an end of life clinic which offers services to patients whose doctors refuse to accept requests for euthanasia.

A regional review committee concluded the doctor had acted negligently in administering the lethal drugs to the woman, who was in her 80s, and has referred the case to the Public Prosecution Service which will decide whether or not a criminal offence had been committed. It is the first time that a euthanasia case has been referred to prosecutors since the procedure was legalised in the Netherlands 12 years ago.

"Slippery slope"

Earlier this year, European assisted suicide watchdog, Professor Theo Boer, warned the UK against the legalisation of assisted suicide and euthanasia, saying that it would be the start of a 'slippery slope' towards the widespread killing of sick and vulnerable people.

Professor Boer said his warnings were based on the Netherlands’ experience of legalising assisted suicide, which has seen the number of deaths double in the past six years. 

The Professor, who formerly supported the provision of assisted suicide, said: "I used to be a supporter of the Dutch law. But now, with 12 years of experience, I take a very different view."

Read more (Daily Mail) >