Hospice and euthanasia in the Netherlands: an ethical point of view

Author(s): tenHave, H. A. M. J., Zylicz, Z.

Journal/Book: J Med Ethics. 1999; 25: Tavistock House East, Tavistock Square, London, England WC1H 9Jr. Prof Sci Publ. 408-412.

Abstract: This contribution is a report of a two months' participant observation in a Dutch hospice. The goal of the observation was to gain an overview of moral decisions in a hospice in which euthanasia, a tolerated practice in the Netherlands, is not accepted us an option. In an introduction, the development of palliative care in the Netherlands wilt be briefly presented. Subsequently various moral decisions that were taken during the participant observation are presented and analysed by means of case reports. Attention is especially drawn to decisions that directly or indirectly relate to euthanasia. These moral decisions will be clarified in the tight of the philosophy behind the concept of palliative care as it has evolved since the foundation of St Christopher's Hospice, London in 1967.

Note: Article Janssens RJPA, Catholic Univ Nijmegen, Dept Eth Philosophy & Hist Med, Sch Med, NL-6500 HC Nijmegen, NETHERLANDS

Keyword(s): euthanasia; hospice; terminal care; PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE; DEATH; CARE; PAIN

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