Our approach to euthanasia and living wills

It is important to think early on about what you would or would not want around the end of life. You can record this in a will. In doing so, you make your wishes clear to yourself, your loved ones and your doctor.

Drafting a will

A will may contain the following sections:

• A treatment ban: you indicate which medical treatments you do not want to undergo (anymore).
• A non-resuscitation statement: you indicate that you do not want to be resuscitated.
• A written authorisation from a representative: you appoint someone to speak on your behalf if you are no longer able to do so yourself.
• A written euthanasia request: you describe the circumstances in which you would want euthanasia.

If you indicate in your will that you do not want a certain treatment, such as resuscitation, the doctor must respect that wish. On the contrary, if you indicate in your declaration that you do want a certain treatment, such as euthanasia, the doctor is not obliged to cooperate. Do not forget to include your name, the date and your signature.

About the written euthanasia request
In a written euthanasia request, you indicate when you feel there is unbearable and hopeless suffering, and you would want euthanasia in that situation. It helps if it is a personal narrative: a description of your life, your values and what unbearable suffering means to you. If possible, it is helpful to make a film of it in which you explain it on camera. In any case, discuss it with your loved ones.

Note: Even with a written euthanasia request, you are not entitled to euthanasia. The moment you suffer unbearably and hopelessly and would like euthanasia, the (GP) assesses whether your situation meets the six statutory due diligence requirements. The (family) doctor is not obliged to perform euthanasia. Nor may the doctor perform euthanasia if you make it clear in words or with your behaviour that you do not want euthanasia (anymore). Your expression at that moment is more important than what you previously stated in a written euthanasia request.

Submission of a will

You can make your will hand in to the assistant. You can also contact the assistant with questions about drawing up a will. It is not necessary to make an appointment with the GP for this. If you would still like to talk to someone about it, you can make an appointment with the practice support worker for the elderly.

Would you like to change something on your statement or inform us that the statement is still valid after a certain period of time? You can also pass this on to the doctor's assistant and you do not need to come to the doctor's surgery for this.

Message from GP Mandjes regarding euthanasia

After careful consideration, I have decided not to perform euthanasia anymore, due to the personal and emotional burden on me as a GP. Of course, I do continue to support patients in the final stage of life. If there is an active euthanasia wish, I will do my best to put you in touch with a doctor who is willing to carry out euthanasia requests.