The Dutch government is considering proposing a law that would give older people who are not ill the legal right to assisted suicide if they feel they have lived their lives.
"People who, after deep reflection, believe that they have lived their life, should be allowed to end their life in a dignified way they choose, under strict conditions," stated the Dutch Ministers of Health and Justice in a joint statement and letter sent to Parliament last night.
Acknowledging that the belief that they have "ended their life" is mostly found among the elderly population, the new law would apply to them, the ministers said without specifying the age of people to whom the law would apply.
These people "no longer see the meaning of their lives, deeply feel the loss of independence and remain isolated or lonely, probably also because they have lost their life partner", according to the ministers.
Also, as they add, they are overwhelmed by complete fatigue and loss of self-esteem.
"But to be able to end their life, they need help," said Dutch officials, AFP reports.
The Netherlands and Belgium were the first countries where euthanasia was legalized in 2002, but only in the case of seriously ill patients.
Under the new proposal, a so-called "assistant in death" - someone with medical training - would have to allow assisted suicide as it would rule out any treatment that could overcome the "desire to die".
The Dutch government now plans to discuss the idea with healthcare professionals before the draft law is sent to parliament.
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