One in thirty deaths in Holland are from euthanasia with most choosing to end their lives due to cancer
- - Around 3 per cent of all deaths in the Netherlands are now by euthanasia
- - The country last year introduced mobile euthanasia units
- - In 2002 it became the first country since Nazi Germany to legalise it
By DAMIEN GAYLE
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The number of Dutch people choosing to end their lives through euthanasia has risen 13 per cent in a single year, making it the cause of almost one in 30 deaths in the country.
The commission that vets cases of euthanasia in the Netherlands recorded 4,188 cases last year, or approximately 3 per cent of all deaths - a record, and up from 1,923 in 2006.
Most of those who choose to end their lives through euthanasia are patients suffering from cancer, the commission said in its annual report published today.
One way trip: Euthanasia in the Netherlands is carried out by a doctor administering a strong sedative to put the patient in a coma, followed by a drug to stop breathing and cause death
The Netherlands in 2002 became the first country since Nazi Germany to legalise the practise of doctor-assisted euthanasia.
Last year the country introduced the world's first mobile euthanasia units, intended to allow patients to die at home when family doctors refuse to administer lethal drugs on ‘ethical’ grounds.
While the Dutch euthanasia commission said the reason for the sharp increase deaths it recorded cannot be determined with certainty, the units were were expected to send the number of cases in the country soaring.
Pro-campaigners claimed at the time they would end the lives of an additional 1,000 patients a year.
Dutch law stipulates that a person can only quality for euthanasia if their suffering is lasting and unbearable.
It is carried out in the country by administering a strong sedative to put the patient in a coma, followed by a drug to stop breathing and cause death.
The Dignitas building in Pfaeffikon near Zurich: Under Swiss law only 'assisted suicide' is permitted - which means that patients must take an active role in administering the drug that ends their lives
The Dutch government insists 'the greatest care' is taken to offer euthanasia only to patients 'who are suffering unbearably with no prospect of improvement'.
Other jurisdictions where euthanasia is permitted include Belgium, Luxembourg and the U.S. state of Oregon.
Euthanasia is distinct from assisted suicide, as offered in Switzerland by the now-notorious Dignitas clinic.
While Dignitas gives patients the means to end their own lives, euthanasia is where a doctor intentionally causes the death of a patient.
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