Dutch doctors try to justify broadening assisted death by starvation

The Dutch doctors’ federation KNMG has removed the age limit requirement for those who want to access assisted suicide by starvation.

Per Dutch News, around 700 people legally kill themselves each year using the starvation method, which some call VSED, for “voluntary stop eating and drinking.” Previously a person had to be at least 60 years old to receive approval for assisted suicide via this manner; now, anyone who wishes may undergo this form of death.

According to Dutch News, the policy change came about because of an increase in people under the age of 60 requesting death via this manner. But rather than try and pinpoint why more people are interested in the painful removal of sustenance, leaders instead have simply removed the guidelines meant to protect against abuse.

Chairman Niels Mulder of the Dutch psychiatric association NVvP argued that instead of starvation, better mental health services are needed. “We may be able to offer therapy which may help people to choose life after all,” he said.

READ: Bioethicist says Arizona bill could legalize assisted suicide by starvation

But others are pushing for the change. “If a patient has made the considered choice to do this, we can all think what we like,” said Alexander de Graeff, who chairs the committee responsible for the new guideline. “But if that is what they want then it is better to do it in an environment where they can be supported than on their own.”

According to reports, the new policy isn’t necessarily easy to implement, because it is harder to kill a healthy individual by starvation than an ill or elderly one. As a translated copy of the new guide itself points out, “For people under the age of 60 and without life-threatening conditions, the process of consciously stopping eating and drinking can be longer and more difficult. This is mainly due to the generally better physical condition of these younger patients.”

The policy change is just another example of what can happen when assisted death is legalized; instead of offering better mental health services or other appropriate care to those who are suicidal and wish to end their lives for reasons other than illness, officials begin to believe they should give them the tools they need to more easily kill themselves.

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