The historical aspects of euthanasia, its definition, & why no distinction is now made between active & passive euthanasia in The Netherlands are reviewed. Guidelines for euthanasia are presented. Non-treatment decisions were taken in 17.5% of all deaths in 1990 but only 1.8% of all deaths were the result of euthanasia. The most common reasons for requesting euthanasia were loss of dignity, pain, distressing mode of dying & being dependent on others. (14 refs.)