Euthanasie bij psychiatrische patiënten

Abstract

According to the law, euthanasia in psychiatric patients is legal in Belgium. There is still, however, a big reluctance in medics and paramedics to accept this kind of requests. In addition, many hospitals set more stringent requirements than those established by the Belgian law. This manuscript describes the medical history of a 71-year-old psychiatric patient desiring euthanasia, discusses the practice according to the law, and addresses the need for extra requirements.