The Relationship between Palliative Care and Euthanasia

A comparison of the developments in England and the Netherlands during the post war period

Ellen van Reuler University of Manchester

Centre for the History of Science, Technology & Medicinevanreuler@alumni.manchester.ac.uk

BSA - DDB, London, 21 November 2011

Quotes

‘Pressure for improved palliative care appears to have evaporated in the Netherlands. Discussion of care for those who are terminally ill is dominated by how and when to extend euthanasia to increasing groups of patients.’1

‘In the Netherlands, the focus on euthanasia as a way of ensuring a good death has reduced the range of other options at the end of life.’2

‘The Dutch experience with euthanasia provides a frightening precedent. It demonstrates that the absence of the hospice alternative greatly increases the attractiveness of euthanasia as an option.’3

1 Hendin, H. in Seduced by Death. Doctors, Patients, and the Dutch Cure (1997, p.214).2 Jeffrey, D. in Against Physician Assisted Suicide. A Palliative Care Perspective (2009,

p.70).3 Cundiff , D. in Euthanasia is Not the Answer. A Hospice Physician's View (1992, p.103).

Topics

- Current positions in the debate- English developments- Comparable problems, but different solutions?- No need for hospices in the Netherlands?- Legalisation of euthanasia driving the provision

of palliative care?- Concluding remarks: the benefit of hindsight

Thank you for your attention