The Dutch association Right To Die (NVVE) is running surgeries throughout the Netherlands to provide information on euthanasia.

During the surgeries information is given about drawing up a living will, euthanasia and the continuation of medical treatment.

Research by the NVVE shows that many of its members are afraid to raise these subjects with their general practitioner, and it is the GP who can fulfill the request when the time comes.

The association hopes that by holding the surgeries people will be encouraged to discuss what they want with their GP and family.

Handy

Hans van Amstel, who is currently holding surgeries in Breda, told broadcaster Nos: ‘Although a living will has no legitimacy in law, it can be a handy way of putting your wishes into words and letting your GP and family know what you want.’

Anke Groenewoud (63), who was at the first surgery in Breda, said she has seen how euthanasia cannot be organised when someone has dementia. ‘You need to arrange things before then and I’m hoping to hear how I should approach my GP and family,’ she told the Nos.

Dutch doctors’ federation KNMG warns that euthanasia cannot be arranged through a living will.