Netherlands Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act (2001)

Netherlands, statute of 12 April 2001 (Wet toetsing levensbeëindiging op verzoek en hulp bij zelfdoding, BWBR0012410). The government explains that euthanasia and assisted suicide remain offences under articles 293 and 294 of the Criminal Code, with an exception for a physician who meets six statutory due care criteria and notifies the municipal pathologist: the request is voluntary and well considered; the suffering is unbearable with no prospect of improvement; the patient has been informed of their situation and prognosis; doctor and patient agree there is no reasonable alternative; at least one independent physician has seen the patient and given a written opinion; and the procedure is carried out with due medical care.

The request must come from the patient personally and may be oral; a written advance directive can replace an oral request if the patient later cannot express their will. Children may request from age 12, with parental consent at 12 to 15 and parental involvement at 16 and 17. The suffering must have a medical dimension, which can include cancer; being 'finished with life' does not qualify. Patients have no right to euthanasia and physicians may refuse. Every case is reviewed by one of five regional euthanasia review committees.