The Relationship between Palliative Care and Euthanasia: a comparison of the developments in England and The Netherlands during the Post-War Period Ellen van Reuler, University of Manchester A presentation at the BSA Death, Dying and Bereavement Symposium, November 2011

1. The Relationship between Palliative
Care and Euthanasia
A comparison of the developments in England
and the Netherlands during the post war period
Ellen van Reuler
University of Manchester
Centre for the History of Science, Technology & Medicine
vanreuler@alumni.manchester.ac.uk
BSA - DDB, London, 21 November 2011

2. Quotes
‘Pressure for improved palliative care appears to have evaporated in the
Netherlands. Discussion of care for those who are terminally ill is
dominated by how and when to extend euthanasia to increasing groups
of patients.’1
‘In the Netherlands, the focus on euthanasia as a way of ensuring a
good death has reduced the range of other options at the end of life.’2
‘The Dutch experience with euthanasia provides a frightening
precedent. It demonstrates that the absence of the hospice alternative
greatly increases the attractiveness of euthanasia as an option.’3
1 Hendin, H. in Seduced by Death. Doctors, Patients, and the Dutch Cure (1997, p.214).
2 Jeffrey, D. in Against Physician Assisted Suicide. A Palliative Care Perspective (2009,
p.70).
3 Cundiff , D. in Euthanasia is Not the Answer. A Hospice Physician's View (1992, p.103).

3. Topics
- Current positions in the debate
- English developments
- Comparable problems, but different solutions?
- No need for hospices in the Netherlands?
- Legalisation of euthanasia driving the provision
of palliative care?
- Concluding remarks: the benefit of hindsight
Thank you for your attention