Three-quarters of Dutch open to euthanasia with their partner

A new study has revealed that three-quarters of Dutch individuals with a partner are open to the idea of duo-euthanasia, provided the right circumstances are in place. The survey, conducted by DataIM and DIT, a journalistic platform of the EO, sheds light on the growing interest in this sensitive and controversial practice, even as concerns about possible coercion and pressure on partners persist.

The research, prompted by the high-profile case of former Prime Minister Dries van Agt and his wife, Eugenie, who both chose duo-euthanasia nearly a year ago, indicates a shift in societal views. The couple’s decision to end their lives together surprised many, especially given van Agt's historically conservative stance on ethical issues.

The findings show that 18.4 percent of respondents would wholeheartedly approve of duo-euthanasia, while 53.4 percent are potentially open to it. However, a significant 59.8 percent expressed concerns about the risk of one partner pressuring the other into a joint death. Additionally, 40.1 percent of participants noted that determining whether the desire to die is entirely individual in such cases could be challenging. In contrast, 41.1 percent believe that this concern is less significant.

Religion plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes toward euthanasia and duo-euthanasia in the Netherlands. Among Christians, 58.6 percent accept all forms of euthanasia, including duo-euthanasia, while the acceptance rate rises to 82.7 percent among non-Christians.

A quarter of Christians, 25.9 percent, oppose all forms of euthanasia, compared to just 7.5 percent of non-Christians. Furthermore, Christians tend to distinguish between individual euthanasia and duo-euthanasia, with 15.5 percent deeming individual euthanasia acceptable but not duo-euthanasia. This viewpoint is less common among non-Christians, with only 9.8 percent sharing this distinction.

The growing trend of duo-euthanasia has been reflected in official records as well. Data from the Regional Review Committees for Euthanasia shows an increase in reports of joint euthanasia cases. In 2023, 54 couples chose to undergo the procedure together, up from 34 in 2022, and just 9 in 2018. Despite the rise, duo-euthanasia remains relatively rare.

The emotional impact of duo-euthanasia on family members has also come under scrutiny. In a special program aired by EO, Hans van der Steeg revisited the case of van Agt a year after his passing, exploring why people opt for this form of euthanasia and how it affects their loved ones.

Linda Gorissen, whose parents chose duo-euthanasia, shared her personal experience. Although she found the departure of her parents peaceful, she described the aftermath as traumatic. "We thought after the duo-euthanasia: and now? We went through it, but we’re still alive," she said. Gorissen sought psychological help and urged for better support for families left behind.