A Religious Argument in Favor of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

EvL: It seems that our society has now come to terms with a tremendously difficult issue in accepting euthanasia. How do you explain how we have been able to reach a consensus on such a conflicting issue? HK: The basis of the Dutch health care system is the traditional family doctor, who in most cases knows his or her patient very well, and is even often acquainted with the whole family of the patient. This aspect of the Dutch health care system, unique as it is, explains for the most part the smooth mode of the euthanasia discussion in the Netherlands and the fact that nine out often citizens are in favor of euthanasia (NRC 1 September 92). This personal relationship between doctor and patient means that legal contracts and accompanying bureaucratic requirements do not play a primary role in the discussion. Rather the primary role lies in trust, trustworthiness, confidence, and confidentiality. Most euthanasia cases are performed by the family doctor.