Seven caveats concerning the discussion of euthanasia in Holland

As the discussion of voluntary active euthanasia heats up in the United States (indeed, I believe it will be the major social issue of the next decade, replacing abortion in that role), increasing attention is being given to its practice in the Netherlands. Proponents of the view that the United States should legalize euthanasia (as legislation being proposed by the Hemlock Society in California, Oregon, and Washington would do) often cite the Netherlands as a model of practice; opponents, on the other hand, claim that Dutch practice already involves widespread abuse and will inevitably lead to more. For the most part, these generalizations invite misunderstanding, and they often reflect only the antecedent biases of those who make them. I would like to offer a few caveats for bioethicists about to become embroiled in t h e discussion of euthanasia?caveats offered in the hope of contributing to better mutual understanding during the next decade, rather than to greater polarization.