The authorities in the Netherlands have given approval for plans to launch first mobileeuthanasia unit, which his scheduled to be launched next month.
The new mobile unit will carry out assisted suicides in borderline cases were doctors have refused to give lethal drugs on ethical grounds. Rob Jonquiere, MD,Communications Director for World Federation of Right to Die Societies said that doctors in the unit will also have to comply with the `due care criteria'.
The `due care criteria' within the Dutch Euthanasia Act (2002) the request is voluntary and well-considered, the patient's suffering is unbearable and hopeless and patient should be informed about their situation. It also says that there are no reasonable alternatives, an independent physician should be consulted, and the method should be medically and technically appropriate.
The Federation of Dutch Physicians has already expressed concerns that the new unit would mean that some patients who could receive some help would end their lives needlessly. "In the worst cases, people could die who perhaps could have received some other help," a spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Dr Rowan Williams told the Church of England General Synod said that a declaration to change the law would mean life being legally declared to be not worth living.
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