Dutch Government to Give Opinion on Expanding Euthanasia Policy

[Judi Lynn]

Europe ; Dutch Government to Give Opinion on Expanding Euthanasia Policy:
34 minutes Ago


AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - The Dutch government, the first to legalize euthanasia for some terminally ill people, will tackle an even thornier ethical dilemma: what to do when doctors say it is best to end the lives of infants, the mentally handicapped or the demented. Euthanasia opponents view the idea with horror, but The Royal Dutch Medical Association believes guidelines and a panel of experts should be created to vet such cases.

Health Secretary Clemence Ross, who has opposed expanding the current euthanasia rules, will send an opinion to Parliament in three or four weeks, said his spokesman, Richard Lancee.

If Ross approves, doctors acting with the families' permission would not be punished for administering lethal sedatives to "people with no free will," in cases that pass review.

Under current law, euthanasia is restricted to terminal patients suffering unbearable pain with no hope of improvement, and who request to die when they are of sound mind. Each case is reviewed by a panel of medical experts.

The new proposal calls for a similar panel for patients who cannot express themselves, with the addition of a judge or court official, giving a legal veneer to a practice that technically would remain illegal.
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http://www.keralanext.com/news/indexread.asp?id=167323

[dutchdemocrat]

1. Good

Pragmatism at work. Talking about it is a good start.

[truthisfreedom]

2. bushco invented the word "vet." be afraid every time you see it.