Former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt passed away alongside his wife Eugenie through a method known as "euthanasia." Both were 93 years old. It is reported that this death reflects a growing trend in the Netherlands regarding "double euthanasia," according to the British newspaper "The Guardian."
The newspaper noted that, while still considered rare, there has been a slight increase in cases of euthanasia. Data revealed that in 2020, there were 26 individuals who died alongside their partners using this method. This number rose to 32 in the following year and reached 58 in 2022.
Van Agt served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1977 to 1982 and was the first leader of the Christian Democratic Appeal party. Dutch media reported that Van Agt was of Catholic Christian background, yet he always maintained his independence in choosing his lifestyle. His wife, whom he referred to as "my girl," had been with him for 70 years.
Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide have been legally permitted in the Netherlands since 2002, but there are six criteria that must be met, including unbearable suffering, a lack of hope for relief, and a long-standing independent desire for death. Additionally, a second specialist must confirm the patient's wish, and the procedure is usually carried out by the family doctor at the patient's home.
