Physicians oppose pro-euthanasia group’s demand

UTRECHT – The pro-euthanasia activist NVVE wants physicians prosecuted if they fail to help or accommodate patients who demand a life-ending procedure. Doctors are currently not required to offer such help if it is against their conscience to do so. The official physicians organization KNMG disagrees with NVVE’s demand and points out that the conscience clause provision was included in the law for a good reason. The KNMG recognizes that the conscience of a physician and the wish of a patient are not always compatible. The physician should explore how the patient can best be treated. The KNMG does request physicians to make referrals in conscience issues but rejects NVVE’s objective.