Dutch GP found guilty of murder faces no penalty

A Dutch GP, found guilty of murdering a dying 84 year old patient, has not been penalised for his action. The Amsterdam court that tried him said that Dr Wilfred van Oijen had made an “error of judgment” but had acted “honourably and according to his conscience,” showing compassion, in what he considered the interests of his patient.

Van Oijen, who featured in the 1994 euthanasia television documentary, Death on Request (BMJ 1994;309:1107), argued that he chose “to let his patient die in the most ethical manner.”

The Royal Dutch Medical Association (KNMG) …