Euthanasia in the Netherlands: statistics show a notable increase.

The number of people in the Netherlands who have used euthanasia to end their lives has increased by 10% in a year.

Data from the Regional Euthanasia Control Committees confirm this.

'In 2024, the Regional Euthanasia Control Committees (RTE) received 9,958 reports of euthanasia. This is 10% more than in 2023. The number of reports of euthanasia relative to the total number of deaths increased from 5.4% to 5.8%,' the post states.

In most reports of euthanasia (86.29%), physical illnesses were cited, such as cancer, neurological disorders, lung diseases, or cardiovascular diseases. In 427 reports, euthanasia was granted to a patient with dementia. In 219 reports, suffering arose from mental disorders. The RTE received 397 reports of people with age-related illnesses. There were also 232 reports in the 'other diseases' category.

'In six cases, the RTE confirmed that the physician did not follow the necessary precautions when granting euthanasia. Two reports concerned incorrect consultation (or lack thereof). One report referred to the significant caution that a physician must exercise when a request for euthanasia stems from suffering caused by mental illness. In three other reports, the Euthanasia Procedure was not followed in cases of complicated execution,' the message states.

It is noted that euthanasia was the subject of public discussions last year. Euthanasia for minors was discussed. In 2024, the RTE received and reviewed one report concerning a minor patient who was granted euthanasia due to unbearable suffering caused by a physical illness. In 2024, no new reports were received concerning minor patients with unbearable suffering due to mental disorders. However, two reports in this category were reviewed, and they were received in 2023.

Furthermore, in 2024, there was mention of double euthanasia. A total of 54 cases of double euthanasia were reviewed over the year.