Euthanasia Cases Rise in the Netherlands

Dutch Govt: Euthanasia Cases Rose 13 Percent in 2009, Now 2% of All Deaths: The Dutch government reported today that the number of reported cases of euthanasia or assisted suicide rose 13 percent in 2009 and now total about two percent of all deaths.

Euthanasia numbers continue to rise; the newly-reported increase follows a 10.5 percent rise in the deaths from 2008-2009. The annual report revealed 2,636 cases of killing patients directly or helping them kill themselves in 2009. The vast majority of the cases were direct euthanasia as opposed to assisted suicide. About 80 percent were cancer patients; more than 80 percent died in their homes.

The new report also indicated nine cases in which Dutch doctors did not properly follow the stipulations of the euthanasia law, which is punishable by up to 12 years in prison. See also LifeSiteNews.