Doodgewoon zelf over een goede dood beschikken?

The main theme of this paper is the problem of euthanasia in the case of dementia, which in the advanced stage of dementia means euthanasia in the case of mental incompetence. The debate clearly shows how dangerous the quicksand of waiting for the stage of advanced dementia, thanks to a written will, can be. And what does ‘self-determination’ stand for in this debate? Self-determination in this particular application, means: obtaining and/ or retaining control and authority in carefully deciding on, and preparing and processing, one’s own end of life. This self-determination diminishes, decreases, to the extent that such control and authority are relinquished. And this self-determination is not only a right and in some circumstances a duty as well, but can also sometimes be a burden. It is strong shoulders that can carry this burden.