There was a sharp rise last year in the number of psychiatric patients being helped to die under Dutch euthanasia laws, health minister Edith Schippers said in answer to MPs’ questions.

In total, 42 cases have been reported to regional assessment officials and 31 cases have so far been judged lawful, Schippers said. The regional monitoring bodies are due to present their annual report shortly. In 2012 and 2011 there were 14 and 13 cases.

Schippers said she considers the increase ‘a logical development’ because doctors are now better able to judge if requests meet the legal criteria.

Euthanasia is legal in the Netherlands under strict conditions. For example, the patient must be suffering unbearable pain and the doctor must be convinced the patient is making an informed choice. The opinion of a second doctor is also required.