CLW is conducting a lawsuit against the State with the aim of self-determination at the end of life. Most participants (89%) say they are in favor of this, but some believe that there should be rules for euthanasia. For example, one of them states: “People should be able to decide this for themselves, but with the understanding that the law must clearly define in which cases it is or is not allowed. And the wish to have euthanasia performed must be notarized in advance.” And another believes: “I can well imagine that at a certain point you get to the point where you think: it has been good. For example, if you have been diagnosed with dementia, are in the early stages and know how your life will end, then I can well imagine that you would rather die with dignity than have to sit around and wait until the time comes.”
Then a ‘Drion pill’ could offer a solution. In 1991, lawyer and former professor Huib Drion made a strong plea for voluntary euthanasia. He believed that people who are tired of life should have the option to end their lives. This was later called ‘Drion’s pill’. Seven out of ten participants are in favor of this. “I have a right to life, but I also have a right to die when I want to. I do not want to burden a doctor or anyone else close to me with this. I want to have the humane means to end my life at a time of my choosing. That should really be possible in 2025,” it says.
The majority fears that rejection of a euthanasia request will lead to suicide or an inhumane death due to hunger strike. For example, an almost 80-year-old says: “I don’t think the physical wear and tear and associated burden are appropriate for an old age. I am going to enforce my own rules: when the time comes, I will no longer eat or drink.”
Anyone who wants euthanasia in the Netherlands can record this. But when diseases such as dementia or a cerebral infarction come into play, a patient is often unable to repeat that wish. Doctors may then have doubts about whether the sick person still supports the initial advance directive. If a patient is incapacitated, such a declaration will not be carried out for a long time. A doctor who disagrees with this writes: “The right to self-determination is a major fundamental right and if you have drawn up a living will, it must be permanently respected, just like your will. It is distressing that at the time of euthanasia you still have to be legally competent and be able to repeat what you have previously drawn up, that is not possible in the case of unconsciousness or dementia, so you must also be able to record that. Doctors must do what the patient wants and are not allowed to impose their philosophical views on anyone, then that doctor must relinquish this task and hand it over to a suitable doctor. A person should be able to die with dignity and peace whenever he/she wants.”
Only 8% of participants are opposed to self-determination at the end of life; sometimes for religious reasons, but sometimes also out of fear that the death wish is unrealistic. “This goes way too far. Life is a gift. Many people who want to die are depressed or lonely. More and better care and help would also do wonders,” says one of them.