'Duo euthanasia' comes into renewed focus after ex-Dutch PM and his wife die 'hand in hand'

Euthanasia can still be a controversial, if no longer a taboo subject in many countries. In Netherlands, it has been legal since 2002 for clearly defined conditions. But 'duoeuthanasia' has again come into renewed focus after former Dutch PM Dries van Agt (93) diedby euthanasia, “hand in hand” with hiswife Eugenie (93).

According to The Guardian, 26 people were granted euthanasia at the same time as their partners in 2020. In 2021, the number increased to 32 and in 2022 the number of couples who opted forduo euthanasia rose to 58.

Former Dutch PM Dries van Agt and his wife were married for 70 years.

Last week, The Rights Forum, a group Van Agt set up to support the Palestinian cause announced the couple's death. The group said that the couple died "together and hand in hand".

Both of them were reportedly very ill. Van Agt suffered brain hemorrhage in the year 2019. He never quite recovered.

“Interest in this is growing, but it is still rare,” said Elke Swart, spokesperson for the Expertisecentrum Euthanasie which clears euthanasia wish of people in the Netherlands. About 1000 people are granted euthanasia every year.

“It is pure chance that two people are suffering unbearably with no prospect of relief at the same time … and that they both wish for euthanasia,” she said, as quoted by The Guardian.

The six conditions in case of which euthanasia is granted in the Netherlands include unbearable suffering with no prospect of relief and also an independent, long held wish for death.

Couples choosing the duo euthansia need to go through strict tests individually asthey are not considered together while granting of euthanasia.

Duo euthanasia still represents small percentage. In the year 2022, it was 5.1 per cent of deaths in the country but many people reportedly express the wish.

(With the inputs from agencies)