D66 has amended the ‘completed life’ private member’s bill. The party still believes that people from the age of 75 should be able to die at a time of their choosing if they feel that their lives are complete, but for this they must first complete a process of at least six months with an ‘end-of-life counselor’. A doctor must also be involved in the process, who must inform the supervisor about the medical situation of the person concerned.
D66 member Anne-Marijke Podt will submit the bill to the House of Representatives on Tuesday. Already in 2020, her now departed party colleague Pia Dijkstra made an attempt with an initial proposal. That immediately sparked a lot of social debate, as well as great irritation in the coalition at the time. The coalition partners ChristenUnie and CDA strongly oppose active termination of life, because in their belief life is in the hands of God and not of man.
Podt made the changes after criticism of the proposal from the Council of State. The party is creating a new profession with the end-of-life counselor. This person will have a pivotal role in the process: this supervisor will assess whether the wish and request to die ‘has a well-considered, voluntary and sustainable character’. To this end, at least three conversations will be held within six months.
Nine due care requirements
Nine due care requirements must be met throughout the procedure. They are also about the execution of the end of life. The new bill only concerns assisted suicide. The supervisor collects the medicines from the pharmacy, after which the person concerned takes the medicines themselves. The difference with the euthanasia law is that it is also possible for a doctor to administer a lethal drug to the patient.
The D66 MP believes that “living with dignity also includes being able to die with dignity and on one’s own terms.” Because the subject affects people, she started talking to many people, not only doctors, experts and elderly people, but also outspoken supporters and opponents. Podt hopes that “we can continue to debate this theme with respect and dignity.”
There is a good chance that Podt will be able to defend her initiative herself in both Chambers. She is fourth on the list of candidates in the coming elections and the social liberals have around seven seats in the polls.
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