A request for euthanasia from a woman in an advanced stage of dementia was granted for the first time this year. The case was revealed in Dutch daily De Volkskrant on Wednesday and confirmed by one of the doctors involved.
Under Dutch law people requesting euthanasia must be of sound mind. Patients who are no longer compos mentis can still be considered under certain circumstances.
The 64-year-old woman was unable to express herself clearly but her request was granted since he had repeatedly indicated she wanted euthanasia before her dementia developed and had signed a statement to that effect.
The decision was delayed for some time but she finally died in March this year.
(imm)
© Radio Netherlands Worldwide
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How did the doctors know that the woman was suffering unbearable pain?
How long will it be before the law is changed so that prior consent by the patient is no longer required?