This article discusses euthanasia in the Netherlands, including research, political & legal aspects. Euthanasia is illegal in The Netherlands, but is accepted if the patient voluntarily & persistently requests death, the situation of the patient is hopeless, & the physician consults a colleague. Studies have found that of appoximately 9000 patients who request euthanasia each year, it is practiced 2300 times. The author asserts that under a broader classification this would be increased to 8100.