Radboudumc leads study into developments in euthanasia practice Legislation and increasing euthanasia reports at the heart of new research

Since the introduction of the euthanasia law in 2002, the number of euthanasia reports in the Netherlands has increased. While there were 1,883 euthanasia cases in 2002, this number rose to 9,068 in 2023. This trend has sparked public debates and raised questions about the reasons behind this increase in recent years. Radboud university medical center will investigate the ethical and societal aspects of these developments, in collaboration with researchers from UMC Utrecht and Amsterdam UMC, commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.

Exploring causes and experiences

Ethicist Els van Wijngaarden from Radboudumc leads the research, collaborating with Ghislaine van Thiel (UMC Utrecht), Sisco van Veen (Amsterdam UMC), and Stef Groenewoud (Radboudumc). The focus is on how various stakeholders—ranging from patients to healthcare professionals and policymakers—experience and interpret the rise in euthanasia. ‘We not only want to hear the dominant voices but also consider the perspective of minorities’, says Van Wijngaarden. The research will explore how these stakeholders understand the developments and which societal factors might influence perceptions of euthanasia.

Concerns and societal changes

In addition to examining how stakeholders interpret the increase in euthanasia, the team will also reflect with participants on whether the rise is a neutral trend resulting from the normalization of euthanasia and the value placed on autonomy in Dutch society. ‘Is this a logical development, or are there concerns about specific aspects that deserve attention?’ Van Wijngaarden asks. The study will also investigate whether there is a link between broader societal changes, shifting moral views, and the increase in euthanasia.

Strengthening the societal debate

The team expects the research to contribute to a deeper and broader societal debate on end-of-life care in the Netherlands. ‘We hope that our research will not only deepen this debate but also help ensure a careful and ethically responsible euthanasia practice’, concludes Els van Wijngaarden. The study will address the ethical, societal, and legal aspects of euthanasia.

About this project

The project will begin in spring 2025 and run for one year. The results are expected by mid-2026. A grant of €165,000 has been awarded for the study.