In 2024, the number of people who opted for euthanasia in the Netherlands increased by 10% compared to the previous year, according to the Regional Euthanasia Review Committees (RTE).
According to the report, a total of 9,958 cases of euthanasia were registered throughout the year, accounting for 5.8% of all deaths in the country. In most cases (86.29%), the procedure was carried out on patients with severe physical conditions such as cancer, nervous system disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
Among the registered cases, 427 involved patients with a specific form of dementia, while 219 involved individuals whose suffering was largely caused by psychological conditions. Additionally, 397 cases were related to patients with geriatric syndromes, and another 232 cases fell under the category of “other conditions.”
In six instances, violations were identified, including one case where euthanasia was performed on a patient with a mental disorder without proper psychiatric consultation.
Furthermore, the RTE report highlighted an increase in cases of so-called joint euthanasia. In 2024, 54 cases were recorded in which two people ended their lives simultaneously.
