The Pursuit of Autonomy and Dignity: Exploring the Choices in End-of-Life Decisions

In his famous 1754 quote, David Hume argued that suicide can often align with our own interests and our duty to ourselves. The Netherlands has been at the forefront of the euthanasia debate and continues to lead the way. This publication delves into the emerging dichotomy of "physician-assisted euthanasia" and "self-euthanasia," one supported by legislation and the other driven by individual autonomy.

Despite the ongoing discussion, proposals are rapidly surfacing, ranging from the Voltooid Leven Citizen's Initiative to the Levenseindekliniek (End-of-Life Clinic),Laatste Wil Pil (Last Will Pill),and proposed amendments to Article 294. This publication critically examines these initiatives, scrutinizing their consistency, feasibility, and legal validity. Doubt serves as the foundation for meaningful exploration.

While numerous reports have focused on "physician-assisted euthanasia," the practice of "self-euthanasia" is now increasingly documented, substantiated, and professionalized as a reliable pathway to gain control and influence over one's own end-of-life decisions, whether for the present or the future.

Following the book launch, an insightful article was published on the Humanist Verbond website, providing further context and perspective on the topic, available at: www.humanistischverbond.nl/nieuws/archief/2013/de-goede-dood-onder-eigen-regie

Contents

Foreword

Chapter 1. Euthanasia

Intermezzo (I): Self-euthanasia in practice: A Room with a View

Chapter 2. Legal Moralism: Government as Moral Arbiter

Chapter 3. Pathways to Death: End-of-Life Decision-making and Personal Autonomy

Intermezzo (II): Self-euthanasia in practice: Dying Together

Intermezzo (III): Self-euthanasia in practice: A Luxury or Necessity?

Chapter 5. Physician-Assisted Euthanasia, Self-euthanasia, and Dementia: The Devil's Dilemma

Chapter 6. The Self-Determined Good Death and Justice: Rethinking the Role of Criminalizing End-of-Life Choices

Intermezzo (IV): The Drion Pill: Medication on the Route to Autonomy

Chapter 7. Non-punishable Aid in Self-Deliverance

Epilogue

References

Concise Index