EUTHANASIA POLICY

   The practice of euthanasia, the causing of death by a doctor at the explicit request of a patient, has been per mitted by law in the Netherlands since 2002. Along period of heated political and ethical discussions about the termination of life on re quest and assisted suicide had preceded. Apatient’s repeated request may be fulfilled only when his or her suffering is unbearable and the situation is hopeless. Furthermore, the doctor must first consult an in dependent colleague. Christian groups in particular fought against the legalization. The Dutch euthanasia practice also led to criticism from the Vatican, which failed to appreciate the precautions built into the Dutch law.