. Netherlands: First Euthanasia Act worldwide This summer the first Euthanasia Act will become active law. The Netherlands is the first country to allow euthanasia. The reactions were different - especially (German) politicians criticized that step very hard. But: the people's majority (e.g. 85 % of the Dutch) considers the new law to be useful. In Germany people's opinion differs between the Eastern (80 % pro, 6 % contra) and the Western part (64 % / 19 %). Even since 1993 the Dutch authority has tolerated euthanasia silently - though it was illegal. With the new law, euthanasia remains strictly regulated. Two doctors have to diagnose independently that the patient is unincurably sick, suffering worst pain and definitely wants to die. After that each case is reviewed by a special commission - consisting of a physician, an ethnologist and a lawyer. Even 16-year-olds can make use of that new law - without the permission of their parents. Belgium is the next country to discuss an Euthanasia Act. In Germany everything remains as it is: merely life-support-messures can be rejected.

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