Netherlands Ex-PM And Wife’s Euthanasia Wish: Hand in Hand, Life Ends

Netherlands’ former Prime Minister Dries van Agt and his wife Eugenie, aged 93, opted for euthanasia on Monday due to prolonged illness. Both had been unwell for a long time. With the assistance of doctors, they took their last breaths while holding each other’s hands until the final moment. According to a legal authority in the Netherlands, they were buried in nearby graves. Dries van Agt had a deep affection for his late wife Eugenie. A few years ago, Eugenie had said – they still call me his “girl.”

Chosen Time and Day

From 1977 to 1982, Dries van Agt served as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. They were members of the Christian Democratic Party. In 2000, euthanasia was legalized in the Netherlands. Under this, individuals suffering from an incurable or irreversible condition are eligible. According to media reports, after living together for 68 years, Dries and Eugenie decided on the time and day of their deaths. During this period, a panel of doctors was present.

Battle with Illness and Political Controversies

In 2019, Dries van Agt suffered a brain hemorrhage. During this time, they were delivering a speech at a seminar. Often, they deviated from the party line, leading to opposition. This was also because they left the party in 2017. They were supporters of Israel and staunch advocates for Palestine. The couple has three children.

Euthanasia Considerations in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, after obtaining approval for euthanasia, doctors typically carry out the procedure at the individual’s home in a standard manner. During this time, a specific type of injection is administered, and their breathing ceases shortly afterward. It is noteworthy that investigations into such cases continue even after death. If doctors find any discrepancies, they could face up to 12 years in prison. During 2022, a total of 8,501 individuals in the Netherlands sacrificed their lives through this legal method.

Rights to Euthanasia for Children

According to reports from the Jerusalem Post, in 2023, controversy arose when the government here granted euthanasia rights to children suffering from incurable diseases and for whom there is no hope of improvement. It was also clear in this law that only 5 to 10 children per year could have this right. It was also explicitly stated in this law that children aged 12 or older would have the right to euthanasia. Therefore, written approval from their parents would be necessary. Those over 16 would not require parental consent.