Author: Sigrid Dierickx
Date: 05-07-2018
Promotor: Prof. dr. Kenneth Chambaere and Prof. dr. Luc Deliens
Co-Promotors: Prof. dr. Joachim Cohen
SUMMARY OF THE DISSERTATION
Background
Euthanasia is subject of intense debate in many countries where life expectancy is high and degenerative diseases are the leading causes of death. In Belgium, euthanasia can be practiced under strict, legally defined conditions since 2002. Concerns about developments in euthanasia practice in Belgium persist, particularly abroad. Additionally, empirical evidence on the euthanasia practice in countries where it is legal is needed to inform current euthanasia debates.
Methods
A secondary analysis of the official databases of all euthanasia cases reported to the Federal Control and Evaluation Committee for Euthanasia was performed. Also, data from a population-based survey among physicians attending a representative sample of death certificates in Flanders were analysed.
Results
This dissertation provides insight into the Belgian euthanasia practice by studying trends in euthanasia practice and by providing empirical evidence on particular issues that have been subject of (international) debate, i.e. involvement of palliative care in euthanasia practice, euthanasia for people with psychiatric disorders or dementia, and registration of euthanasia on death certificates.
Conclusions
This dissertation underlines the importance of detailed monitoring of euthanasia practice. To meet this, it is to be recommended that monitoring by the Federal Control and Evaluation Committee for Euthanasia is supplemented by thorough empirical research into euthanasia and other medical end-of-life practices.
