The KNMG doctor’s federation has the guideline for euthanasia in dementia amended. From now on, doctors may, subject to certain conditions, also grant requests to people who have made a written decision that they want euthanasia if they become demented, but can no longer confirm this wish because of their dementia. Until now, the position of the KNMG was that euthanasia is no longer an option if communication about the wish to end life is no longer possible.
The doctors’ federation emphasizes that a written request for euthanasia “is the beginning of a conversation between doctor and patient and not the end of it.” The written request must therefore always have been discussed with the doctor while the patient was still clear of mind.
Also read: Will is given more weight in euthanasia
Even if the patient has become incapacitated, the doctor must continue to try to communicate about the euthanasia request and its implementation. If a patient with dementia makes consistent and clear statements that are contrary to the written request, then life termination is not possible because the requirements of the Euthanasia Act are not met.
High Council
The new position follows a ruling by the Supreme Court in April 2020 about what is permitted if communication with patients is no longer possible. This happened in response to a doctor who had put a sleeping aid in the coffee of an incapacitated and severely demented woman.
After a lengthy criminal procedure, the Supreme Court agreed with the doctor on all points and the assessment criteria for euthanasia in dementia were adjusted. According to the doctors’ federation, the new KNMG guideline is “a practical translation”.
The KNMG states that the revised guideline provides guidance to doctors who are prepared to consider euthanasia in complex situations, but emphasizes that ‘each doctor can make his own professional and personal assessment’. This means that a doctor remains completely free to decide not to grant euthanasia, even if the law does provide that scope.
According to the KNMG, the new standards have been established after, among other things, consultation with doctors with different views and expertise and round table meetings with representatives of patients and relatives.
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