Netherlands offers euthanasia for alcoholics
Dutch journalist writes book about the death of his brother
The ever-expanding circle of eligibility for euthanasia now includes alcoholism. Writing in the Dutch magazine Linda, journalist Marcel Langedijk describes the grim life and death of his brother Mark, a hopeless alcoholic.
After eight years and 21 stints in hospital or rehab, Mark decided that he had enough. He had two children but his marriage had collapsed; his parents cared for him and he had plenty of family support, but he was unable to dry out.
Finally he asked for euthanasia. Physically he was quite ill and psychologically he was suffering badly.
A woman doctor in a black dress and sneakers arrived to give him his lethal injection. She confirmed his decision and then gave him three doses.
Mr Langedijk is writing a book about his younger brother’s disease and his death through euthanasia which will be published next year.
https://www.bioedge.org/images/2008images/TH_Alcoholism.jpg
Creative commons
https://www.bioedge.org/images/2008images/Alcoholism-in-Retirement-Overlooked-Undertreated.jpg
euthanasia
netherlands
- How long can you put off seeing the doctor because of lockdowns? - December 3, 2021
- House of Lords debates assisted suicide—again - October 28, 2021
- Spanish government tries to restrict conscientious objection - October 28, 2021
More Stories
Ukrainian man sells suicide powders on the internet from a flat in Kyiv
A Ukrainian man from Kyiv has been sending parcels of suicide powder to the United Kingdom since at least 2020...
UK parliament report on ‘assisted dying’ refuses to take sides
A long-anticipated report from the British Parliament on “assisted dying” has not made any dramatic recommendations, to the dismay of supporters and...
Australia’s Northern Territory ponders ‘assisted dying’
The government of Australia’s Northern Territory is surveying residents to assess the scope of a voluntary assisted dying law. All states have...
Is ‘assisted dying’ really about autonomy?
One of the most puzzling features of assisted dying is the distinction between physician assisted suicide and euthanasia. In the...
Doctors of death
In countries where “assisted dying” in some form or other is legal, doctors are forming professional organisations to give guidance...
Euthanasia activist says that today’s execution in Alabama is bad publicity for his movement
This afternoon, Alabama time, Kenneth Eugene Smith, 58, will be executed in Holman Correctional Facility. This will be the second...