Dutch Court Allows Euthanasia in Advanced Dementia Cases

April 27, 2020

(CNN) – Doctors in the Netherlands may legally euthanize patients with severe dementia who previously provided a written request for the procedure, the country’s highest court ruled Tuesday. In the landmark decision, the court said that a physician may respond to a written request for euthanasia made before someone develops advanced dementia, provided certain legal requirements are met — even if the patient’s condition means they become unable to confirm that request.