End of Life
Euthanasia, donor registration, palliative care — the medical landscape in NL.
7 pieces in this topic.
Euthanasia in the Netherlands: how it actually works
Since 2002 doctors have a defence against prosecution if six zorgvuldigheidseisen are met and the case is reported to the RTE.
When someone dies at home: the first hour nobody tells you about
Dutch law (Wet op de lijkbezorging) allows the body to remain at home for up to six working days before burial or cremation.
Donor registration after the 2020 law
Since 1 July 2020 the NL switched to opt-out: silence becomes 'geen bezwaar' (no objection) by default.
Signs that death is approaching
Last weeks: longer sleep, falling appetite, withdrawal — feeding usually causes discomfort, not strength.
DNR in the Netherlands: penning, document, tattoo
DNR refers only to refusing CPR — not other care, not palliative comfort treatments.
Hospice care in the Netherlands: what to expect
Three forms in NL: high-care hospice, bijna-thuis-huis, palliatieve unit in a care institution.
Palliative sedation vs euthanasia: what is the difference
Palliative sedation lowers consciousness for refractory symptoms; intention is symptom relief, not death.