Considerations on requests for euthanasia or assisted suicide; a qualitative study with Dutch general practitioners

Background. In the Netherlands, euthanasia or assisted suicide (EAS) is neither a right of the patient nor a duty of the physician. Beside the legal requirements, physicians can weigh their own considerations when they decide on a request for EAS. Objective. We aim at a better understanding of the considerations that play a role when physicians decide on a request for EAS. Methods. This was a qualitative study. We analysed 33 interviews held with general practitioners (GPs) from various regions in the Netherlands. Results. The considerations found can be divided in three main types. (i) Percei... Mehr ...