04.02.2025.
A new survey reveals that three in four Dutch people with a partner are open to duo euthanasia—provided the circumstances are right.
At the same time, nearly 60% worry that partners may pressure each other into ending their lives together.
These findings come from research conducted by DataIM and DIT, EO’s journalistic platform.
A surprising shift in views
Almost a year ago, on 5 February, former Prime Minister Dries van Agt and his wife Eugenie chose duo euthanasia.
Van Agt’s decision shocked many, as he had been known for his conservative stance on ethical issues during his political career.
Their choice to die together sparked public debate, leading to this recent survey on Dutch perspectives regarding duo euthanasia.
Risks and concerns
While a significant portion of the population is open to the idea—18.4% giving a definitive yes and 53.4% expressing potential openness—concerns remain.
Nearly 60% (59.8%) fear that partners may pressure each other into the decision.
Additionally, 40.1% worry that it is difficult to determine whether both individuals genuinely wish to die or if external influences play a role.
In contrast, 41.1% consider this risk less significant.
The role of religion
Religious beliefs significantly impact attitudes toward euthanasia. Among Christians, 58.6% accept both individual and duo euthanasia, whereas among non-Christians, the acceptance rate jumps to 82.7%.
A quarter of Christians (25.9%) oppose any form of euthanasia, compared to just 7.5% of non-Christians.
Additionally, Christians are more likely to distinguish between individual euthanasia and duo euthanasia, with 15.5% supporting individual euthanasia but opposing duo euthanasia, compared to 9.8% among non-Christians.
The rise of duo euthanasia cases
Data from the Regional Euthanasia Review Committees shows that duo euthanasia cases are on the rise.
In 2023, 54 couples underwent the procedure, up from 34 in 2022 and just 9 in 2018.
Despite this upward trend, duo euthanasia remains relatively rare.
As discussions around euthanasia continue to evolve, the ethical, legal, and emotional complexities of dying together remain a topic of debate in the Netherlands.
Would you consider it?
