Dutch health authorities are reporting an increase in the number of cases of euthanasia.

According to the daily NRC Handelsblad, 2,636 cases were registered by health authorities last year; an increase of 13 percent compared to 2009. Eighty-five of the patients that underwent euthanasia suffered from cancer. And 80 percent died at home. The Netherlands is one of the few countries in the world where euthanasia is legal.

Number of reported cases of euthanasia and assisted suicide as defined by the 2002 Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act:

2009     2,636
2008     2,331
2007     2,120
2006     1,923  
2005     1,933
2004     1,886
2003     1,815
2002     1,882
2001     2,054
2000     2,123

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