Dutch doctors tighten euthanasia guidelines

Dutch doctors have been given new guidelines tightening the already strict conditions that must be met before performing euthanasia or helping a patient commit suicide. The position of the Royal Dutch Medical Association (KNMG) on euthanasia, updated for the first time since its adoption in 1984, is not seen as a change of direction. But it fills in gaps based on legal cases and doctors' experience over 11 years.

In the Netherlands euthanasia remains a criminal act, but doctors can escape prosecution if they adhere to strict …