Concept Manifesto Citizens’ Initiative Proposal Bill End-of-Life Management (Levenseinderegie)
The Foundation End-of-Life Management (www.levenseinderegie.nl) is starting a Citizens’ Initiative to transform the constitutional right to a self-chosen end of life a real and accessible right.
Key points of the Proposal Bill End-of-Life Management
In the Netherlands the euthanasia process has been completely medicalized in the current Dutch euthanasia law and self-determination has been subordinated to it. The Proposal Bill End-of-Life Management breaks through this medicalization. She divides the euthanasia process into two strictly regulated phases. This entails the following (see the website for the complete proposal with justifications):
Phase 1: Demedicalization and Self-determination. The doctor only has an informative role when starting the euthanasia process. The applicant consults with a certified end-of-life counselor.
- Until the euthanatic is administered, the applicant decides HIMSELF about euthanasia.
- A certified end-of-life counselor only checks whether the applicant HIMSELF finds the suffering to be unbearable and/or hopeless, or to suffer from a completed life, sees no reasonable solution other than end-of-life care, is well informed about medical options, and examines what the applicant voluntarily and well-considered wishes.
- The doctor provides the medical file (after permission from the applicant) to the end-of-life counselor and provides information about the applicant’s current medical situation. A psychotherapist can also fulfill the same role.
Phase 2: Medicalization.
- Euthanasia is carried out under the final responsibility of a doctor on the basis of voluntariness and mercy (the role of the doctor is till now a Dutch legal requirement in connection with medical care). The competent applicant may administer the euthanatic drug to himself under the supervision of the doctor.
- The applicant (in the event of incapacity, the legal representative) may opt for immediate euthanasia instead of terminal palliative sedation, regardless of whether or not the applicant has previously made a declaration of intent.
An End-of-Life Guidance Institute will be established to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The Proposal End-of-Life Management Act was written in ten consultation rounds with legal and ethical advice.
The full text can be found at www.levenseinderegie.nl.
Signing Manifesto for End-of-Life Management Act as of January 5, 2024 (Em = emeritus)
Willem Anker (Criminal Law)
Adriaan van Dis (writer).
Klaas Rozemond (Dr. Criminal Law, assistent professor).
Hanneke Groenteman (journalist and television presenter).
Catherine Keyl (Telegraaf columnist).
Henk van Tilborg (Em. Prof. dr. ir. Mathematics, Computer Sciences, Coding Theory and Cryptology, previously chairman of the Alzheimer Foundation North Brabant).
Ype Poortinga (Em. Prof. Dr. Behavioral Sciences).
Albert C. Heringa (Developmental ecologist).
Egbert Tellegen (Em. Prof. Dr. Sociology, Environmental Science).
Albert de Jong (Psychotherapist).
Jurjen Pen (Mr. Criminal Law).
Jan Uijen (Mr. Criminal Law).
Onno J. Bosma (writer of the Coat with All Colors).
Rudi Holzhauer (Dr. mr. Law, Philosophy).
Wim van Dijk (activist End-of-Life Management).
Signatories Support Committee Citizens Initiative Proposal End-of-Life Management Bill (14 december 2023)
DescLAB/Eutanasia y Muerte Digna Columbia.
Israel Society to Live and Die with Dignity.
The Association Québécoise pour le Droit de Mourir dans la Dignité (AQDMD; Montréal Canada).
Choice and Dignity End-of-Life Advocacy USA.
The Life Circle Association (New Zealand).
Right to Die Society of Canada.
DignitySA (South Africa).
ALS Patient Foundation (The Netherlands).
Foundation Invisible Ilnesses (The Netherlands).
In July 2025 the final content of the manifesto will be discussed with those who support the manifesto.