Former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt and his wife die ‘hand in hand’ by euthanasia at age 93

Man I got mixed feelings about euthanasia. If you have any sort of religious beliefs, basically all religions specify that you’re supposed to live out your life to its fullest extent. Enduring the final days of suffering to the bitter end. But this story sure seems like a “romantic” way to end it.

 

Says he's a Christian democrat , all the Christians i know will tell ya flat out you're going straight to hell if ya off yourself . Maybe its different in Europe .

 

I've got cousins who offed themselves at a young age, and I refused to attend their funerals. My belief doesn't change for older people.

My Great Granny made it to 96 years old, and told us all a couple of years earlier that she made her peace and was ready to die, but she didn't facilitate it.

I think that these people believe that agreeing to be killed is not the same as suicide, but it is. It's a cowardly exit no matter what term is used.

 

"Coward".....said the man who knows nothing.
Courage is similarly misunderstood.

 

It is, most of us have moved on from that point of view. I applaud their courage and wish to be no longer a burden on family and state.

 

Yes, indeed. I wonder if they used any of those products i've seen on infomercials

As someone who has been involved in several peoples dying process. I am favorable to assisted suicide. I think it is much more humane and dignified than pain and suffering....... I didn't think that before i attended to someone with cancer. But really do now !

 

I'd be fine being either one, but it's the pain of dying that's the real hurdle.

 

The picture in the OP is not van Agt but the current PM of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, no idea who the female is but it certainly isnt van Agt's wife.
This is a picture of van Agt, on the left talking to Rutte in 2011.

File:Mark Rutte en Dries van Agt in het Torentje.jpg - Wikipedia

He and his wife died together in the Netherlands which is important legally as in most European countries anyone who helped a death could be prosecuted. I have no idea of the details of how and who (perhaps she was able to do it). If you have the money you can go to Switzerland where the law allows a certain clinic under the strictest rules of permission to provide the means to commit suicide. I think plenty of time and repeated questions make sure it is really what the 'customer' wants.